Cornish-based charity ShelterBox’s emergency team is closely monitoring the aftermath of the powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Turkey and Syria, where the death toll has passed 4,800 and is expected to rise.

In a statement on its website, the disaster relief charity said: "We’re gathering information from all possible sources to see how big the need for emergency shelter will be, and if we are well placed to help.

"ShelterBox has experience responding to earthquakes in Turkey before, most notably the 2011 Van earthquake. We also have an ongoing programme of work supporting people displaced by conflict in Syria."

A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck close to Turkey’s border with Syria in the early hours of February 6.

ShelterBox said: "Initial reports suggest thousands of buildings are likely to have collapsed across Turkey and Syria and rescuers are desperately trying to save people trapped beneath the rubble.

"Powerful aftershocks and poor winter weather are hampering rescue efforts."

ShelterBox, which is based in Truro, takes packages of emergency shelter and equipment into areas stricken by disaster, and provides training, all designed to help people begin to rebuild their lives.

The charity has set up a page responding to the earthquake disaster at shelterbox.org/turkey-earthquake/