Rescue teams work to free those trapped under Aleppo's buildings in Syria

Rescue teams worked early on Tuesday (February 7) to free people trapped under the rubble of buildings in Aleppo, as residents eagerly awaited news of their loved ones.

"There are four people (under the rubble), my sister, her husband, her daughter, and her son - Since yesterday at four a.m. until now," said Khaled, a resident of the area

At least 1,444 people were killed in Syria and about 3,500 injured, according to figures from the Damascus government and rescue workers in the northwestern region controlled by insurgents.

The magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit Turkey and Syria early on Monday, toppling apartment blocks, wrecking hospitals, and leaving thousands of people injured or homeless.

In areas hit by the earthquake in northwestern Syria, rescue efforts were hampered by a lack of equipment and freezing conditions. Rescuers cleared piles of debris using makeshift tools and their hands, Reuters reports.