Numerous injuries reported after destructive earthquake strikes Turkey

A 5.2-magnitude earthquake shook southeastern Turkey early Tuesday morning, and was followed by more than half a dozen aftershocks.

The village of Samsat, located within the Adiyaman province of southeastern Turkey was struck by an earthquake around 3:30 a.m. local time, according to the United States Geological Survey.

According to the USGS, the earthquake was a magnitude 5.2 on the Rictor Scale, at 10 kilometers deep.

The earthquake leveled buildings in the area, and according to Samsat's district governor, Sedat Sezik, was felt in neighboring cities and provinces, including Sanliurfa, Gaziantep and Diyarbakir.

In the middle of the night, the shaking from the earthquakes sent people fleeing from their homes.

Turkey's health minister told the Associated Press that more than 35 people were injured in the earthquake, many of whom were still receiving treatment in nearby hospitals as of midday Tuesday.

Due to the widespread damage across the region and the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts, schools were closed on Tuesday, according to the Daily Mail.

For those recovery efforts following the earthquake, dry and warm weather is expected on Wednesday. However, the chance for showers returns on Thursday and will remain through the end of the week.

"The best chance for widespread showers looks to be on Friday," said AccuWeather Meteorologist Brett Rossio.

The wet weather could hinder any clean-up efforts into the weekend. Temperatures for the next few afternoons are expected to reach the middle to upper 20s C (lower 80s F). So those who are outside should continue to drink plenty of water in order to remain hydrated.

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