AT least 85 people have been killed with hundreds more feared dead after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Turkey.

A powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Turkey today, collapsing dozens of buildings into piles of twisted steel and chunks of concrete. Desperate survivors dug into the rubble with their bare hands, trying to rescue the trapped and injured.

A powerful quake has killed 30 people and injured 150 others in the eastern town of Ercis, according to state television.

A strong earthquake hit eastern Turkey today, killing at least 57 people and knocking down houses in three small villages, the government said.