Earthquake that struck the Aegean coasts of Turkey
By Asia News / Agencies
Oct 31 2020
Some 25 people have died and more than 800 have been injured in the Turkish province of Izmir. Two people have died on the Greek island of Samos. The 7.0 magnitude earthquake was centred off the coast of Turkey. Rescuers continue to dig for survivors. Athens and Ankara put aside geopolitical tensions and pledge collaboration to deal with the emergency.
IZMIR – The number of dead of the earthquake that struck the Aegean coasts of Turkey and Greece yesterday afternoon now stands at 27: 25 in the Turkish province of Izmir and two on the Greek island of Samos, government sources in the two countries reported.
The epicentre of the earthquake, which registered a magnitude 7.0, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, and 6.6 according to Turkish authorities, was off the Izmir area.
The quake caused a mini-tsunami that hit both Izmir and Samos.
In Izmir, officials counted at least 800 injured, and extensive damage to homes with entire buildings collapsing. Rescue teams continue to dig for survivors.
To deal with the displaced, Turkish authorities have set up a tent city for at least 2,000 people.
On the Greek side, the impact was more contained. In addition to two young people who died, eight have been injured.
Putting aside recent geopolitical tensions, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis pledged mutual aid.
Athens and Ankara are at loggerheads over the exploitation of vast hydrocarbon fields in the eastern Mediterranean. – AsiaNews
