ISTANBUL - A strong earthquake jolted Trkiye's southern province of Kahramanmaras early Monday, according to the country's disaster agency.

Trkiye's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) said the 7.4 magnitude quake struck at 4.17 a.m. (0117GMT) and was centered in Pazarcik district.

The quake occurred at a depth of 7 kilometers (4.3 miles).

It was also felt in other southeastern provinces including Diyarbakir and Gaziantep and neighboring countries including Lebanon and Syria.

Media reports said a number of people died and several others were injured while the extent of the damage is still being checked. (Anadolu)