Turkey Earthquake: At least 18 dead as 6.8 magnitude tremor collapse buildings

Turkey : At least 18 people have reportedly been killed and hundreds have been injured in the massive 6.8 magnitude earthquake in eastern Turkey, said officials.

The tremor had its epicenter on the town of Sivrice in Elazig province, causing several buildings to collapse and residents rushing onto the streets.

The tremors were also felt in neighbouring Syria, Lebanon and Iran.

Earthquakes is a common phenomenon in Turkey. In 1999, around 17000 people had lost their lives.

Friday's quake struck at about 20:55 local time (17:55 GMT).

According to Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), nothing less than 60 aftershocks were recorded after the earthquake.

According to a media report around 400 rescue teams have departed for the struck region, along with beds and tents for those displaced. The authorities have issued a warning to the people to not return inside the damaged buildings.

The governor of Elazig said eight people had died in the province, while the governor of neighbouring Malatya said six died there.