At least 5,400 people have been killed in a devastating earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on Friday, according to the latest reports. The 7.2 magnitude quake, which struck at around 8:00 pm local time, has caused widespread destruction in the region.

The death toll is expected to rise as rescue teams battle cold weather and dangerous conditions in the search for survivors. In the wake of the disaster, families have been begging for help to find their loved ones buried in the snow-covered earthquake debris.

Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) said that more than 1,000 buildings have been destroyed in the quake, while more than 2,000 people have been injured. The Turkish government has declared a state of emergency in the affected areas.

In Syria, the death toll has risen to at least 535, according to the United Nations. The UN also said that nearly 4,000 buildings have been damaged in the quake.

The quake was felt as far away as Istanbul, some 600 miles from the epicenter. It was also felt in Lebanon, Iraq, Israel, and the Palestinian territories.

The exact cause of the quake is still being investigated, but scientists have pointed to the presence of active fault lines in the region.

The governments of Turkey and Syria have promised to provide relief to those affected by the quake. International aid organizations have also pledged their support to help with the relief efforts.