Early Photos Show Devastation In Turkey, Syria After 7.8 Magnitude Earthquake

Reports from Turkey and neighboring countries show widespread damage after powerful earthquakes measuring 7.8 and 7.5 magnitude hit the region Monday, leveling buildings and killing over 2,600 people.

As daylight settled over cities and refugee camps housing thousands of Syrians, rescue workers were combing through the rubble as international aid groups and countries planned to send resources. Photos showed a historic mosque in pieces after the quake and there were reports from local media that fires had broken out in some regions from damaged gas lines.

The U.S. Geological Survey added that many buildings in the parts of Turkey near the initial 7.8 quake’s epicenter were made of brick and concrete, making many towns “extremely vulnerable.”

The Syrian American Medical Society said a hospital in the country’s Idlib province had been damaged in the temblors and had to be evacuated. Tremors were felt throughout the Levant, including in Lebanon and Israel, and the region was hit with several powerful aftershocks.

A 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck hours later, about 60 miles from the first quake’s epicenter.

The U.S. pledged to provide “any and all” assistance needed. Photos and videos taken Monday portend a long, slow recovery effort throughout Turkey and beyond.