Strong quake hits Turkey

A strong earthquake, with a preliminary magnitude of 6.00, has hit eastern Turkey Elazığ Monday, killing at least 40 people.

The reported dead are concentrated in six villages around the center of the earthquake in Karakoçan near the city center of Elazığ.

At least 60 people have been injured in the area hit by the earthquake while buildings near the center of the quake have sustained damage. According to the Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute, the 6.0 magnitude earthquake had an intensity of 8.0.

Rescue efforts were ongoing in villages where people are suspected of being under the debris from fallen builldings.

Deputy Prime Minister Cemil Çiçek, State Minister Cevdet Yılmaz, Minister of Public Works Mustafa Demir, and Health Minister Recep Akdağ as well as some parliamentarians are on their way to Elazığ to observe the situation on the ground.

[adrotate group=”10″]