Syria: Earthquake kills at least 1,444 people

Catastrophic earthquakes epicenter in Southeastern Turkey have also killed at least 1,444 people in Syria, injuring 3,500.

According to Syrian Health Ministry, 771 people have died in Damascus government-controlled areas, while 733 have been killed in the Syrian-rebel held Northwest Syria, Reuters said.

Northern Syrian provinces of Hama, Aleppo, Latakia and Tartus have been affected by Turkey’s massive earthquake of magnitude 7.7.

Many buildings that had already suffered damage in fighting during Syria's nearly 12-year-long civil war, have collapsed and harsh winter conditions further harden the rescue efforts in the war-torn country.

President Bashar al-Assad held an emergency cabinet meeting to review the damage and discuss next steps, Reuters said citing Assad’s office said.