Quake causes damage in eastern Turkey

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2007

ANKARA (AFP) — An earthquake measuring 5.0 on the open-ended Richter scale has jolted the eastern Turkish province of Agri, causing damage in several villages. "Buildings in several villages were damaged. We have no information so far about injuries or deaths," Agri Governor Halil Ibrahim Akpinar told NTV television.

The epicenter of the tremor, which hit at 9:38 am (0738 GMT), was at the town of Tutak, near the borders with Armenia and Iran, the Istanbul-based Kandilli observatory said Sunday. The tremor sparked panic among residents, sending them running into the streets, the Anatolia news agency reported. "The authorities are looking into the situation across the province," Akpinar said, adding that snowed roads in some areas were creating difficulties. Tutak Mayor Bulent...