The 7,2 magnitude earthquake which struck Eastern Turkey yesterday afternoon has already taken the lives of 200 and injured more than 1 000. But brave rescue teams are hard at work to free the many other people who are believed to be trapped under the rubble and debris from the quake.
The Ercis district, with a population of around 100 000, has suffered the gravest of the wreckage with around 60 apartment buildings already having collapsed. Poor construction has been blamed for much of the devastation. With most buildings in the region made of fragile adobe, they are said to be more vulnerable to quakes of this nature.
Amazingly, it’s been reported that dedicated rescue workers have already pulled out more than 700 people alive in the main town of Ercis.
Residents have also joined in the recovery efforts.
[Source and image: AJ]
