UPDATE - Turkish authorities say 1,466 injured in earthquake

UPDATES INJURED NUMBER, ADDS MORE DETAIL; CHANGES DECK

By Isa Toprak and Muhammed Nuri Erdogan

ANKARA (AA) - Nearly 1,500 casualties have been recorded after a powerful earthquake hit eastern Turkey, officials said Saturday.

At least 29 people died in the 6.8-magnitude earthquake. Tremors were also felt in neighboring countries including Syria and Georgia.

Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) said at least 1,466 were injured.

It said rescue work continues with more than 3,700 personnel from various organizations along with 554 vehicles, three drones, a helicopter, a plane and 17 sniffer dogs in the region.

Also, tents, beds, blankets, food items and mobile kitchens were sent to the quake-hit areas.

Out of 1,323 buildings assessed, more than 1,000 were damaged, AFAD added.

More than 530 aftershocks, nine above a 4.0- magnitude, occurred after the quake in Elazig province.

* Writing by Burak Dag