Eastern Turkey Hit By Earthquake

At approximately 0430 local time (0230 UTC) on 8 March 2010 an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.0 struck eastern Turkey. Its epicentre was located approximately 30 mi/45 km west of Bingol at a depth of 6 mi/10 km. Villages near the epicentre sustained significant damage, as they primarily consist of mud-brick houses and buildings built on hillsides. Local officials have stated that at least 57 people were killed by the earthquake, with most of the casualties occurring in the villages of Okcular, Yukari Kanatli and Kayali; more than 70 others were injured. Emergency services personnel have warned village residents not to return to their collapsed homes due to the persistence of aftershocks, of which there have been more than 30 so far.