The Department of Foreign Affairs said that they are still verifying on ground if there are any Filipinos that were hurt or died due to the massive 7.8 earthquake that struck Turkey, that killed close to 360 people so far.

According to the DFA, there are 4006 Filipinos in Turkey.

“There are still no reports of affected Filipinos,” the DFA said.

Presently, the DFA “is in touch with our Ambassador in Ankara, Ambassador Mariel Algabre, who says there is no report of affected Filipinos so far,” the DFA said.

Turkey has already sent out an international appeal for assistance, after a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit southern part of their country and northern Syria.

It toppled buildings and likewise triggered a massive search for survivors among the rubble caused by fallen houses, buildings and other establishments.

At least 360 were killed and hundreds injured, and the toll was expected to rise.

According to reports, close to 20 aftershocks were recorded just hours later, the strongest measuring 6.6.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had called for a massive activation of “search and rescue teams” to be dispatched “immediately” to the areas hit by the quake.

Turkey is along many major fault lines that makes frequent earthquakes.