Turkey Earthquake, October 23, 2011 | Magnitude 7.2 quake jolts Van City

Turkey Earthquake, October 23, 2011 Epicenter

A strong earthquake has struck Eastern Turkey Sunday afternoon, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported.

According to the USGS, the quake measured a magnitude of 7.2 on the Ritchter Scale and centered at 17 km (10 miles) North Northeast of Van, Turkey. It struck the area at 1:41 p.m. local time (10:41 UTC).

The depth of the quake is 20 km (12.4 miles), the USGS said.

Recent reports say the powerful quake caused buildings to collapse, killing a number of people. Several dozens of individuals were also hurt.

“The quake was strongly felt in Van and neighboring towns, and caused damage and deaths based on initial assessments,” the prime minister’s office said.

Crossed by fault lines, Turkey experiences earthquakes frequently.