Turkey Earthquake: Death Toll Rises to 38

Turkey has announced the death toll of its citizens has risen to at least 38 following the magnitude 6.8 earthquake that struck Friday night. 

The earthquake that hit Eastern Turkey killed 34 people in Elâzığ province and four in the neighboring province of Malatya. More than 1,600 persons were hurt; at least 30 buildings fully collapsed. Around 45 survivors have been pulled alive from the rubble so far.

Turkish President Erdogan assured Turkish citizens that every effort was being made to find survivors and promised to house displaced residents as promptly as possible.

“Turkey has begun to heal the wounds of this great disaster in unity and togetherness,” he said.

Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu promised financial assistance for the victims.

Turkey has a history of powerful earthquakes. About 17,000 people died in a pair of strong earthquakes that struck northwest Turkey in 1999. 

By Elene Dzebisashvili