Photo: USGS

A powerful earthquake shook the Greek island of Kos early Friday morning, damaging several buildings and the main port, killing at least two people and causing more than 120 injuries, authorities said.

The 6.5-magnitude quake rattled Turkey's Aegean coast as well, but Kos was nearest to the epicenter and appeared to be the worst-hit, with all of the deaths and injuries reported there. Buildings with damage included the old mosque and a 14th-century fortress at the entrance to the main port.

Fallen bricks and other damage were seen in Kos's "old town" area, full of bars and other nighttime entertainment. Hundreds of tourists were spending the rest of the night outdoors, resting on beach loungers with blankets provided by staff.

Minor damage — cracks in buildings, smashed windows and trashed shops — appeared widespread, according to city officials.

Rescuers were checking for trapped people inside houses after the quake struck in the middle of the night and were heading to outlying villages to check for damage. Kos Mayor Giorgos Kyritsis said the army was mobilized along with emergency services. The island's port was among structures that sustained damage, and a ferry en route there was not docking, the coast guard said.

"The buildings affected were mostly old, and were built before the earthquake building codes were introduced," Kyritsis told state-run Greek media.

According to Turkish disaster officials, more than 20 aftershocks have been recorded