More than 2600 dead after earthquakes hit Turkey and Syria

More than 2600 people have been killed following two strong earthquakes hit southern Turkey and northern Syria within 12 hours.

A 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit first, and was followed by a 7.5 magnitude aftershock, and a total of more than 120 aftershocks have been felt across the Middle East including Lebanon, Cyprus and Israel.

Chief scientist at the Seismology Research Centre, Adam Pascale, says there’s “going to be a humanitarian disaster over there for sure”.

Press PLAY below to hear why the earthquakes have been so devastating

“This particular region of turkey hasn’t seen earthquakes of this size for a very, very long time,” Mr Pascale told Ross and Russel.

He warned damaging aftershocks remain a risk for “days and weeks”.

Cold temperatures and nightfall have impeded rescue efforts.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared a state of emergency and pleaded for help from the international community. So far, 45 countries have offered support.

Image: Halife Yalcinkaya/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images