21 dead, more than 700 injured in earthquake in Turkey

ANKARA:The death toll continues to rise from the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit the west coast of Turkey near Izmir.

According to the latest figures reported by the Turkish media at 1 am local time (6 am Malaysian time), the quake claimed the lives of at least 21 people and injured 786 others.

The Ahvalnews.com portal reports that after the first quake, sea levels rose before the tsunami hit the Seferihisar district in western Izmir, flooding residential areas.

Many buildings were reported destroyed including premises that were initially badly damaged before later collapsing due to the aftershocks.

Dust enveloped the affected area but rescue efforts started immediately after the quake.

The quake was also recorded by several residents who later uploaded it on social media.

Many people went out to provide assistance together with the authorities to rescue the victims trapped in the rubble.