[Central News Agency] A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 on the Richter scale hit the southern part of Turkey on the border with Syria early this morning. It has caused the collapse of more than 5,000 buildings in Turkey and Syria, and the death of more than 3,000 people. Dozens of countries around the world have promised to provide assistance.

Agence France-Presse reported that the strong earthquake and subsequent aftershocks have caused the collapse of 5,606 buildings in Turkey, and Syria has also announced the collapse of dozens of buildings.

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The Syrian government and rescuers say at least 1,293 people have died across the country.

Turkish government officials reported 1,762 deaths, bringing the combined death toll in Turkey and Syria to 3,055.

Disaster management authorities said more than 12,000 people were injured in Turkey, while Syria announced at least 3,411 were injured.

A 7.8-magnitude earthquake occurred at 4:17 a.m. local time in southern Turkey bordering Syria, with a focal depth of 17.9 kilometers. Afterwards, hundreds of aftershocks occurred. At 1:24 p.m., another 7.8-magnitude earthquake occurred near the epicentre. A magnitude 7.5 earthquake.

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