The most powerful earthquake in nearly a century struck Turkey and Syria Monday, killing more than 4,000 people in their sleep, levelling buildings and causing tremors felt as far away as Greenland. The 7.8-magnitude early morning quake, followed hours later by a slightly smaller one, wiped out entire sections of major Turkish cities in a region filled with millions who have fled the civil war in Syria and other conflicts. Rescuers used heavy equipment and their bare hands to peel back rubble in search of survivors, who they could in some cases hear begging for help under the rubble. The initial quake was followed by more than 50 aftershocks, including a 7.5-magnitude tremor that jolted the region in the middle of search and rescue work on Monday afternoon.

Earthquake strikes central Turkey

Magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck central Turkey on Tuesday morning. More details to follow...

Rescue teams from across the world depart for Turkey-Syria

An Indian team of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel along with a specially trained dog squad and necessary equipment departed from Hindon Airbase in Ghaziabad to carry out search and rescue operations in Turkey. India sent the NDRF team to Turkey after earthquakes jolted Turkey and Syria on Monday.

Speaking to ANI, Deepak Talwar, Deputy Commandant, NDRF, who is leading the first NDRF team from India to Turkey, said, "This team is consisting of 47 NDRF personnel and three senior officers to perform recovery and response work as per the United Nations guidelines."

The European Union has mobilized search and rescue teams to help Turkey, while the 27-nation bloc's Copernicus satellite system has been activated to provide emergency mapping services. At least 13 member countries have offered assistance. The EU said it’s also ready to offer help to Syria through its humanitarian assistance programs.

The United States is coordinating immediate assistance to NATO-member Turkey, including teams to support search and rescue efforts. U.S.-supported humanitarian partners are also responding to the destruction in Syria. In California, nearly 100 Los Angeles County firefighters and structural engineers, along with a half-dozen specially trained dogs, were being sent to Turkey to help with rescue efforts.

Russian rescue teams from the Emergencies Ministry are preparing to fly to Syria, where Russian military deployed in that country already has sent 10 units comprising 300 people to help clear debris and search for survivors. The Russian military has set up points to distribute humanitarian assistance. Russia also has offered help to Turkey, which has been accepted.

Turkey updates earthquake toll to 2,379 dead

Turkish Vice President Fuat Otkay said 2,379 people were killed and 14,483 injured in a devastating earthquake that hit the country on Monday, updating an earlier toll.

A total of 7,840 people were pulled alive from rubble after 4,748 buildings were destroyed, Otkay added.