Istanbul, Turkey—(ENEWSPF)—October 23, 2011. The U.S. Geological Survey reports that a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Turkey at 1:41 p.m. local time. The quake took place about 12 miles from Van.
The USGS reported a depth of 4.5 miles, or 7.2 kilometers; the center in Turkey said the quake was about 3 miles, or 5 kilometers, deep.
The quake was followed by at least seven aftershocks. The extent of casualties is not known.
The Turkish Red Crescent reports that 25 apartment buildings and a student dormitory collapsed in the town of Ercis on the north shore of Lake Van and that “many” wounded had been removed from the dormitory.
The Red Crescent called for rescue workers, heavy machinery and drinking water, and has set up a crisis desk in the capital Ankara.
Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay said that local authorities have reported that 10 buildings had collapsed in the center of the city of Van.
