Rescue efforts underway to find survivors in Turkey's earthquake
(VOVWORLD) - At least 22 people died and more than thousand injured in eastern Turkey after an earthquake rattled the region on Friday evening, according to authorities.
 House collapses after earthquake in Turkey. (Photo: AFP) |
The 6.7-magnitude quake struck near the town of Sivrice, in eastern Elazig province, collapsing at least 10 buildings, Turkish Interior Minister Sulyman Soylu said. Around 42 people were pulled from under the rubble of collapsed building overnight and 22 people remain trapped. Rescuers are working through the night to search for trapped victims in freezing cold temperatures of minus 8 degrees Celsius.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had to cancel plans in Istanbul and went to Elazi province to oversee rescue operations.
Rescue equipment and emergency teams from other localities are being deployed to Elazi. The Turkish airline also increased the number of flights to Elazi to transport rescue forces. The government advises evacuees not to return to damaged homes, fearing aftershocks may occur.