(ETH) – A strong magnitude 5.7 earthquake has reportedly killed at least nine people and injured dozens after striking Turkey near the Iranian border. The quake struck in Turkey’s Van province according to the country’s health minister. The report went on to state that nine of the injured have been left in serious condition and three of the dead were reported to be children.

Over a thousand buildings have collapsed as well. The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority has begun rescue work, stating:  “Search and rescue efforts are ongoing,” The earthquake has been reported to have struck the Turkey-Iran border region.

Al Jazeera‘s Hashem Ahelbarra, reporting from Hatay in southern Turkey, said authorities are racing against time to reach those affected by the earthquake. “Authorities say they are concerned that many people might be trapped in the rubble. Rescue operations are underway. Dozens of mountainous villages have been affected. The area is one of the most seismically active areas in the world,”