Seven killed in second earthquake in Turkey

Van (Turkey), Nov.10 (ANI): At least seven people have been killed in a earthquake measuring 5.6 on the Richter Scale.

The quake, which struck late on Wednesday, was centered 16 kilometers south of the city of Van in eastern Turkey, and has trapped many more under collapsed buildings.

According to the BBC, about 20 buildings have collapsed, including a six-storeyed hotel in the city of Van, where dozens of aid workers and journalists were staying.

The same region was struck last month by a 7.2-magnitude earthquake which killed more than 600 people.

The city of Van was only lightly damaged, but some of the weakened buildings are now thought to have been brought down.

Television pictures from Van showed residents and rescuers trying to lift debris to free people trapped under ruined buildings.

Rescue workers were using high-powered lights to work through the night.

Parliamentary member Nazmi Gur said emergency teams were focusing on rescuing some 50 people believed to still be trapped.

Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay said rescue teams were being sent to the region from capital Ankara and other areas. (ANI)