Turkey Earthquake Videos Show Buildings Collapse Like A 'House Of Cards'

Social media shows the devastation caused by Monday's powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit southern Turkey and northern Syria.

The earthquake killed at least 360 people, injured many and destroyed nearby buildings. The number of victims is expected to increase.

A magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Turkey and Syria killed hundreds of people

It is located 20 kilometers from Gaziantep, the main state capital of Turkey, and about 60 kilometers from the Syrian border, according to the US Geological Survey.

More than two dozen earthquakes followed, the strongest of which was a magnitude 6.7.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has tweeted that search and rescue teams have been sent to the areas affected by the earthquake.

"We hope to overcome this disaster as soon as possible and with minimal damage," he wrote.

Some have shared videos and photos on Twitter, showing the moment of the earthquake and the devastation it caused.

Buildings collapsed like a "house of cards," one Twitter user said along with a video of the road damage.

Journalist Joyce Karam shared video of the destruction in the town of Iskenderun in Hatay province, describing "absolutely horrific scenes".

Photos and videos show that the earthquake severely damaged Gaziantep's most famous landmark, the historic palace on a hill in the center of the city. The walls of the courtyard and parts of the watchtower were repaired, paintings were displayed.

A photo of large cracks in a street in Elbistan, southern Turkey, and a Greek Orthodox church in Aleppo, Syria, shared photos of stone slabs falling onto the church's floor via Twitter.

Residents in the area expressed fear and confusion when the strong earthquake hit on Monday morning.

"I have never felt anything like this in the 40 years I have lived," Erdem, a resident of Gaziantep who did not give his last name, told Reuters. "We were violently shaken at least three times like a sleeping baby."

The US is "very concerned and closely following developments" related to the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, White House national security adviser Jack Sullivan said in a statement.

"We are ready to provide any assistance we need," Sullivan said. "President Biden directed USAID and other federal government partners to review U.S. response options to help those most affected."

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