Tourist areas in Turkey have escaped a 7.2-magnitude earthquake which struck the east of the country yesterday (Sunday) killing at least 138 people.
There are fears that up to 1,000 people could have died due to low housing standards and the size of the quake.
US scientists recorded more than 100 aftershocks in eastern Turkey within 10 hours of the quake, including one with a magnitude of 6.0.
Authorities advised people to stay away from damaged homes, warning they could collapse in the aftershocks.
Mustafa Erdik, from Turkey’s main seismography centre, said it was estimating a death toll of between 500 and 1,000.
Ercis, a town in the mountainous province of Van close to the Iranian border, was the hardest hit. The regional centre of Van, 55 miles to the south, also suffered substantial damage.
Foreign secretary William Hague offered British help as the death toll from the natural disaster continued to rise.
He said the quake had “caused immense destruction, resulting in terrible loss of life”.
“I send my deepest condolences to the friends and loved ones of those who have died or been affected,” said Hague.
“My thoughts are with those who are anxiously awaiting news from the rescue efforts. The UK is ready to provide assistance, in line with any request from the Turkish authorities. We stand with Turkey at this difficult time.”