Earthquakes wreak utter havoc across southern Turkey and Syria

The first earthquake hit at a depth of 11 miles and was centred in southern Turkey, near the northern border of Syria, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).

Many aftershocks have rocked the area since the initial earthquake. In the first 11 hours, the region had felt 13 significant aftershocks with a magnitude of at least five, said Alex Hatem, a USGS research geologist.

Scientists are studying whether a magnitude 7.5 earthquake that hit nine hours after the main shock is an aftershock. Ms Hatem said it appears to be the case.

'More aftershocks are certainly expected, given the size of the shock,' Ms Hatem said. 'We expect aftershocks to continue in the coming days, weeks and months.'

Experts warned the tragedy could claim 10,000 lives as the two quakes - among the most powerful in the region's history - hit within hours of each other.