Rescuers in ERCIS and the provincial capital, Van, led against time to free dozens of people trapped inside the mounds of concrete, twisted steel and construction debris. Aerial views of the two cities filmed Tuesday showed the devastation of the earthquake.
Nearly 500 aftershocks have shaken the region since Sunday, according to Turkey Kandilli seismology center, and a fairly strong on Tuesday, measuring 5.4, sent residents rushing into the streets.
The authorities have warned the survivors in the mainly Kurdish region not to enter damaged buildings and thousands spent another night out in cars or tents in freezing weather near, for fear of return to their homes. Some 1300 people were injured.
