Turkey quake causes deaths and injuries

A powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit eastern Turkey on Sunday, collapsing dozens of buildings.

The US Geological Survey says the quake had a depth of 20 kilometers and the epicenter was close to the Iranian border.

Turkey's state-run Anatolia news agency says the government is reporting fatalities. The director of the Bogazici University's Kandilli Earthquake Research Institute, Mustafa Erdik, told NHK that the death toll is likely to be between 500 and 1,000, based on the structures in the area and the strength of the quake.

At least 50 people have reportedly been taken to hospital.

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

The video also shows people fleeing from buildings.

The mayor of Van told local media that the quake had destroyed buildings in the city center and caused damage to the local airport. All flights from the airport have been canceled.

Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay said at least 45 buildings have collapsed.

Monday, October 24, 2011 00:52 +0900 (JST)