Rescuers Search For Missing In Turkey Quake

Fears grow the death toll could reach 1,000 as rescue teams continue to scour the rubble for survivors following a powerful earthquake in southeast Turkey.

At least 217 people have been confirmed dead and hundreds more are reportedly missing after the 7.2 magnitude quake struck near the city of Van and the town of Ercis, close to the Iranian border.

Thousands have been left homeless as dozens of buildings were destroyed in the town centres.

Tens of thousands of people rushed into the streets after the first tremor and were digging with shovels and their bare hands to free those trapped.

US scientists recorded over 100 aftershocks in eastern Turkey within 10 hours of the quake, including one with a magnitude of 6.0.

Authorities advised people to stay away from damaged homes, warning they could collapse in the aftershocks.

Interior minister Idris Naim Sahin said at least 100 people were killed in Van, 117 others died in Ercis, and around 1,090 were injured.

But officials estimate the death toll could rise to 1,000 as many people remain unaccounted for.

Deputy prime minister Besir Atalay said: "Around 10 buildings have collapsed in the city of Van and around 25 or 30 have collapsed in Ercis, including a dormitory."

Around 1,275 rescue teams from 38 provinces have been sent to the region, officials said, and troops were also assisting search-and-rescue efforts.

In Ercis, heavy machinery was halted and people were told to stay quiet as rescuers listened out for sounds within the rubble.

Residents lit campfires to keep warm as they spent the night outdoors while others took refuge in tents set up in a sports stadium.

A nurse at a public hospital said staff were treating the wounded in the garden because the building was badly damaged.

International offers of aid poured in from Nato, China, Japan, the US, Azerbaijan, European countries and Israel.

Prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan thanked the governments who had offered help, but said Turkey could handle the disaster relief efforts without assistance.

Foreign Secretary William Hague said: "The earthquake in eastern Turkey has caused immense destruction, resulting in terrible loss of life.

"I send my deepest condolences to the friends and loved ones of those who have died or been affected.

"My thoughts are with those who are anxiously waiting news from the rescue efforts.

"The UK is ready to provide assistance, in line with any request from the Turkish authorities. We stand with Turkey at this difficult time."