Magnitude 7.2 quake hits eastern Turkey

A powerful earthquake hit eastern Turkey on Sunday, close to the Iranian border. The US Geological Survey says the tremor was magnitude 7.2, with an estimated depth of 20 kilometers.

Turkey's state-run Anatolia news agency quoted the government as saying there have been fatalities in the quake. At least 50 people have reportedly been taken to hospital.

Video footage from the city of Van, near the epicenter, shows a collapsed multi-story building and rescue workers searching the rubble.

The video also shows people fleeing from buildings.
The mayor of Van told local media that the quake had destroyed some buildings in the city center and flights have been cancelled as the local airport has been damaged.

Sunday, October 23, 2011 23:24 +0900 (JST)