Turkey 7.2 magnitude quake

Today's massive earthquake struck southeastern Turkey. Measuring 7.2 on the Richter Scale, the authorities estimate the earthquake that killed up to one thousand people and it is feared the toll could rise because many buildings collapsed.

According to news agency Reuters, the region worst hit by the earthquake is the city of Van and several surrounding districts, who were on the edge of Lake Van. The area is near the border with Turkey - Iran.

"We expect about 1,000 buildings were damaged and an estimated hundreds of people died. The amount can be 500 or 1,000 lives," the official said the monitoring center Kandili Observatory, Mustafa Erdik.

Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan direct review after the earthquake-stricken city of Van. The government is expected to hold an emergency meeting next Monday to discuss the situation in Van and the development of emergency evacuation and recovery.

"Many buildings collapsed, many people were killed, but we do not know the exact amount. We're waiting for emergency care and the situation is very urgent," said Zulfukar Arapoglu, peas mayor told news station NTV.

Local residents reported experiencing more than 20 aftershocks. Besides rescue workers are still struggling to find and remove people trapped in collapsed buildings.

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