She is expected to ask for more visas for foreign aid workers as the Syrian Arab Red Crescent struggles to distribute food.

BBC: Syria crisis: China hosts Assad aide Bouthaina Shaaban

The quake was felt across the Gulf in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, where workers were evacuated from high-rise buildings as a precaution.

NPR: Iran Says 32 Killed In Earthquake In South

Most of those on board are thought to have been overseas workers based in the United Arab Emirates.

BBC: NEWS | Middle East | Eyewitnesses tell of Emirates crash