Turkey-Syria earthquake: PM Modi offers India's help as death toll crosses 560

With large-scale destruction hitting Turkey and Syria after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India is ready to offer "all possible assistance" to cope with the tragedy.

PM Modi added that India stands in solidarity with the people of Turkey. The Indian leader said that he was anguished by the loss of lives and damage to property. "Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon," he said.

Meanwhile, the death toll crossed the 560 mark, with both Turkey and Syria reporting over 280 deaths each. The number of casualties is expected to rise further.

An earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter Scale hit the region in the early hours of 6 February. At least 20 aftershocks followed the temblor, with some measuring as high as 6.6 on the Richter Scale. Many buildings collapsed, trapping inhabitants under debris.