Powerful Quake Kills 20 People in Eastern Turkey

The 6.8 magnitude quake, centred on the town of Sivrice in Elazig province, caused buildings to collapse and sent residents rushing into the street.

Tremors were also felt in neighbouring Syria, Lebanon and Iran.

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

According to Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (Afad), there were more than 200 aftershocks recorded after the earthquake.

It said more than 400 rescue teams are heading towards the region, along with beds and tents for those displaced. It warned people not to return to damaged buildings in case of aftershocks.

Afad said that 16 people had died in Elazig province, while the official count in Malatya is four. The governor or Malatya, however, earlier said that six people had died there.

The Turkish Red Crescent has dispatched hundreds of personnel with emergency supplies.