The 6.7-magnitude quake struck in the Aegean Sea last night (July 20) south of Bodrum and east of the island of Kos.

The tourists - from Turkey and Sweden - were killed on Kos, which suffered significant damage to buildings which collapsed leaving residents and holidaymakers trapped.

The earthquake triggered a small tsunami that caused flooding in Bodrum and parts of Kos.

Holidaymakers were forced to flee their hotel rooms when the quake hit at around 1.30am local time on Friday and experienced aftershocks throughout the night.

More than 120 people were injured on Kos, while in Bodrum, around 70 people were treated in hospital for injuries as they tried to flee the quake.

Kos regional government official Giorgos Halkidios confirmed the Greek army had been drafted in to support the emergency services with the rescue operation, The Telegraph reports.

In a travel update on its website, Thomas Cook said it currently has 2,682 British customers in Kos, 441 in Bodrum, and 7,992 Marmaris but had seen no reports of injuries from the earthquake and "little impact" on its hotel and resorts.

"All guests are back in their hotels and continuing with their holidays," the travel giant said.

Cook added that its in-destination teams were currently supporting customers holidaying in the affecting regions.

It added: "Any customers who are on holiday with us and who have concerns should speak to our teams in resort or call us on +44 161 774 2966.

"Our customers who are due to travel to the affected areas in the coming days should keep checking this page for updates or call us on 01733 224 536."

In a travel advice update, the Foreign Office (FCO) warned travellers to “be aware of the possibility of aftershocks”.

It said: “If you’re in the affected area and it is safe to do so, contact your friends and family to tell them you are safe.

“You should be aware of the possibility of aftershocks, and follow the advice of the local authorities and/or your tour operator."

Abta advised travellers and members that Kos airport had closed shortly this morning but had since reopened and as a result was operating with delays.

"Abta members are working hard to support customers and staff in resort and they have not reported any casualties or injuries affecting UK holidaymakers," the association added.

Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said: “Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have been made aware of an earthquake affecting the regions of Kos, Rhodes and Turkey, we are monitoring the situation and we are in contact with our overseas teams.

“Should you require any assistance while in resort please contact our 24/7 customer emergency helpline.”

Among those who felt the earthquake on Kos was British student Naomi Ruddock, who was holidaying with her mother at the time.

"We were asleep and we just felt the room shaking," she said. "The room moved. Literally everything was moving.

"And it kind of felt like you were on a boat and it was swaying really fast from side to side, you felt seasick."