Turkish Earthquake Topples Buildings
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Thursday, November 10, 2011
A 5.6 magnitude earthquake has killed at least three people in eastern Turkey, and trapped many more under collapsed buildings.
Approximately 20 buildings have collapsed, including a six-storey hotel in the city of Van, where dozens of aid workers and journalists were staying. The quake late on Wednesday and was centred 16km (10 miles) south of Van.
The same region was struck last month by a 7.2-magnitude earthquake which killed more than 600 people. That earthquake struck a little north of Van but the city became the headquarters of the relief effort and has been flooded by aid workers and journalists.
The city was only lightly damaged, but some of the buildings weakened in the previous earthquake are now thought to have been brought down.
Residents and rescuers have been trying to lift debris to free people trapped under ruined buildings. Rescue workers were using high-powered lights to work through the night.
Parliamentary member Nazmi Gur said most of the buildings which collapsed were empty, but three had been occupied when the quake struck at (19:23 GMT.) He said emergency teams were focusing on rescuing some 50 people believed to still be trapped.
Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay said the quake toppled a school and a number of mudbrick homes, as well as the hotel.