Over 1,500 dead after powerful 7.8 quake knocks down buildings in Turkey, Syria

More than 1,500 people have been confirmed dead after a massive 7.8-magnitude earthquake rocked southeast Turkey and Syria early Monday, leveling several buildings as people slept in their beds. 

The devastating toll has continued to rise as rescuers frantically search for survivors trapped under the rubble.

Thousands of more people in both countries were injured, officials said.

The earthquake’s center struck an area about 20 miles from Gaziantep, a major city and provincial capital 60 miles from the Syrian border, according to the US Geological Survey. It was centered 11 miles deep and was followed by a strong 6.7-magnitude aftershock about 10 minutes later.  

At least 11 people were killed in the Syrian town of Atmed, with many more deaths expected, a doctor on the ground told The Associated Press.