The US Geological Survey said the quake was centred about 33 kilometres (20 miles) from Gaziantep, a major city and provincial capital of Turkey.

A major earthquake of magnitude 7.8 hit Turkey and Syria a few hours ago leaving at least 641 people dead and several hundreds injured.

The death toll is still mounting. Dozens of buildings have collapsed and there are people trapped under the rubble.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the world leaders who reached out to quake-hit Turkey.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the world leaders who reached out to quake-hit Turkey.

“India stands in solidarity with the people of Turkey and is ready to offer all possible assistance to cope with this tragedy,” the PM said.

The killer 7.8 earthquake was centred north of the city of Gaziantep about 90 kilometres (60 miles) from the Syrian border.

This is the region which houses millions of refugees from the Syrian civil war.

This is the region which houses millions of refugees from the Syrian civil war.

The quake was felt as far away as Cairo.

The quake was felt as far away as Cairo.