Magnitude 7.2 Earthquake Strikes Turkey

Eastern Turkey has been struck by a magnitude 7.2 Earthquake which has left almost 300 people killed and many more injured.

The city of Ercis was one of the worst hit areas with many buildings collapsing.
Although some survivors have been pulled from the devastation, it is feared the death toll could rise.

The earthquake had a depth of 20 km and an epicentre located just 16 km north east of the City of Van. This was followed by hundreds of smaller after shocks, causing further panic.

Over 600 people have now been confirmed dead and over 1600 injured. According to officials more then 2000 buildings have been destroyed, leaving over 50,000 people homeless in Van and Ercis. As search and rescue took place over the few days following the earthquake, at least 250 people trapped in the rubble were saved. Hope of finding anymore victims alive faded a few days after and search and rescue was soon called off.

Ercis, located close to the Iranian border experienced devastation following the earthquake. Hundreds of buildings collapsed or were badly damaged, including hospitals. Poorly constructed buildings were blamed for the collapse in this earthquake risk region. The injured had to be treated outdoors due to severe structural damage to hospitals. Electricity and phone lines were also damaged.

According to officials, an estimated 2400 rescue teams, 680 medics, 108 ambulances and 12 rescue dogs were involved in the relief effort.

There were dramatic rescues of victims being pulled out alive 100 hours after the earthquake struck. A 16 day old baby, followed by his mother and grandmother were rescued 48 hours after the earthquake struck. An 18 year old man was also pulled out alive 100 hours after. A 21 year woman, 27 year old woman and 13 year old boy were also rescued alive. There were reports of the boy digging himself out of the rubble with a rock 100 hours after the earthquake struck. The first 48 to 72 hours are essential for rescuing and finding survivors alive.

Aid being provided to the affected population was limited, leading to chaos including aid trucks being looted in Van and Ercis. Victims complained about the lack of tents for temporary shelter and blamed it on political reasons. The Government is now also accepting aid from other countries.

As temperatures fall, there are fears of victims living in temporary outdoor shelters, suffering even further in the freezing conditions. It will take months before life returns to normal in the affected regions. The death toll is also likely to increase over the next few days as more bodies of victims are pulled out of the rubble.

By Saajeda Bandali