ANKARA (BNO NEWS) — At least 39 people were killed when a strong earthquake devastated the eastern Turkish province of Elazig on early Monday, officials said. The toll is expected to rise, as dozens more have been injured.

The Kandilli Earthquake Research Institute and Observatory said the earthquake, which happened at 4.32 a.m. local time, had a magnitude of 6.0 and was centered about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) deep, making it an extremely shallow earthquake. Shallow earthquakes often tend to cause more serious damage. The epicenter was located about 21 kilometers (13 miles) south-southeast of the city of Elazig.

The exact extend of the damage and the total number of casualties was still unclear hours after the earthquake. Provincial governor Muammer Erol said at least 41 people had been killed in villages near the epicenter, where scores of homes had collapsed. At least 50 people were injured, including 10 who sustained serious injuries. An unknown number of other people remain trapped under the rubble.

The earthquake was followed by a series of small aftershocks, which may continue for weeks. At least 30 aftershocks have been recorded, of which the largest had a preliminary magnitude of 4.1.

No tsunami warnings were issued because the epicenter of the earthquake was located on land, and the magnitude would have been too low to cause concern for a tsunami.