The number of victims of the earthquake that occurred in Turkey on Monday morning may reach 10,000 people, announced the US Geological Survey (USGS), cited by CNN. A 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit the border area with Syria, followed by dozens of aftershocks, and the latest reports have killed more than 500 people and injured at least 1,000 in Turkey and Syria.

The US Geological Survey said there was a 47% chance the death toll would reach 10,000. The USGS estimates are based on an analysis of historical earthquake data in the region, the population that has experienced the strongest earthquakes, and the vulnerability of structures in the worst-hit areas.

“Many casualties and significant damage are likely, and the disaster is likely to be widespread. The population in this region lives in buildings that are extremely vulnerable to earthquakes, although there are some resilient structures,” the USGS report said.

The report also estimates that economic losses are likely to be between US$1 billion and US$10 billion, which could amount to 2 percent of Turkey’s GDP.

The last 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Turkey happened 100 years ago

A 7.8-magnitude earthquake also struck eastern Turkey in 1939, killing more than 30,000 people, CNN reported, according to the USGS.

Carl Lang, an associate professor at Georgia Tech, told CNN that the quake-hit area is prone to seismic activity.

According to the latest data, more than 500 people died as a result of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. At least 284 people were killed and another 2,300 were injured in Turkey, while at least 237 people were killed and another 639 were injured in Syria.

According to the authorities, more than 1,700 buildings were completely destroyed or damaged in ten cities of Turkey.

• Follow the latest information on the earthquake in Turkey here