What has happened?

A powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale has struck south-eastern Turkey, near the Syrian border.

Death toll in Turkey and Syria rises to at least 17,500

The combined death toll from the earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria on Monday has climbed to more than 17,500, according to the latest figures from authorities and rescue organisations.

The number of people confirmed dead in Turkey has risen to 14,351, the country’s vice president, Fuat Oktay, said on Thursday 09, with 63,794 injured.

Initial reports indicate the impact has been devastating in areas that already host a high number of displaced and vulnerable families, who have fled the civil war in Syria. Turkey is the worlds largest host of refugees with 3.7 million Syrians taking refuge in the country.