Over 1,200 people have been reported to have died and thousands more wounded in a 7.8 magnitude earthquake that rocked Turkey, Syria, Lebanon and Israel on Monday.

The New York Times reported that millions of people in Turkey, Syria, Lebanon and Israel were jolted from their beds after the 7.8 magnitude quake hit early Monday.

The death toll is expected to rise.

Peoples Gazette had earlier reported that at least 200 people were killed and millions displaced from their homes.

According to the United States Geological Survey, the 7.8-magnitude earthquake, which struck at 4:17 a.m., had its epicentre around 33km from Gaziantep, a major Turkish city. The earthquake, reportedly 18km (11 miles) deep, generated a very strong 6.7 aftershock that caused vibrations in Lebanon and Cyprus.

Multiple buildings had collapsed as a result of the earthquake, trapping numerous individuals beneath the rubble.

According to reports, 200 people have died in Syria, 76 people have died in Turkey, and the death toll is expected to rise.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey said search and rescue teams have been ‘immediately dispatched to the areas affected by the earthquake.”