At least 29 die in Turkey quake

26 January


The Turkish government says at least 29 people are dead and more than 1,400 injured after a powerful earthquake jolted the eastern part of the country on Friday.


The US Geological Survey says the magnitude 6.7 tremor struck Elazig province.


Officials say the focus of the quake was estimated at a depth of about 10 kilometers.


On Saturday, rescuers searched for survivors trapped under buildings that had collapsed.


Local media showed footage of people being pulled out from under rubble and taken away by ambulances.


Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited the hardest-hit areas. He also attended a funeral for victims.


The president said the government will do everything it can to save the people who are trapped.


The full extent of the damage is not yet known.

 

NHK