‘There are so Many Dead’: Magnitude 7.2 Earthquake Rocks Turkey
- Posted on October 23, 2011 at 8:13am by
Madeleine Morgenstern
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Residents survey the damagae after a huge earthquake struck Turkey, collapsing at least several buildings. (Photo credit: NTV)
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.2 struck eastern Turkey Sunday, collapsing some buildings and causing a number of deaths according to officials.

NTV
The temblor struck eastern Van province at 1:41 p.m. (1041 GMT; 6:41 a.m. EDT), the U.S. Geological Survey said. It caused widespread panic throughout the province as well as neighboring cities.
It toppled some buildings in downtown Van as well as the neighboring town of Ercis, officials said. Several strong aftershocks were also reported.
“There are so many dead. Several buildings have collapsed, there is too much destruction,” said Zulfikar Arapoglu, the mayor of Ercis told NTV television. “We need urgent aid, we need medics.”
Residents spilled out into the streets in panic as rescue workers struggled to evacuate people, believed to be trapped under collapsed buildings, television footage showed.
In Van, at least two buildings collapsed, Bekir Kaya, the mayor of Van, told NTV. One of them was a seven-story building, according to the state-run Anatolia news agency.
“The telephone system is jammed due to panic and we can’t assess the entire damage immediately,” Kaya said.
The USGS originally gave the magnitude as 7.3 but later corrected it to 7.2. It said the quake had a depth of 20 kilometers (12.4 miles), which is relatively shallow and could potentially cause more damage.
Turkey’s Kandilli observatory gave it a preliminary magnitude of 6.6 but put its depth at 5 kilometers. Several aftershocks as strong as magnitude 5.5 followed, the observatory said.
The quake’s epicenter was in the village of Tabanli in eastern Van province, bordering Iran. But it was felt in several provinces across the area.
Earthquakes are frequent in Turkey, which is crossed by faultlines.
In 1999, about 18,000 people were killed by two powerful earthquakes that struck northwestern Turkey.
This story has been updated since it was first posted.



















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Comments (133)
Wildape
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:41amI think I send my charity to the Coptic Christians who are being exterminated and who have suffered losses far greater than Turkey.
Report Post »PROAMERICAN
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 10:55amDCHETAK… Our animal instincts tells us to hate. Our greater self is supposed to act like our Savior. You are 100% correct, we should love our enemy. I have learned about the Armenian genocide and I pray that more people can see thing the way you see them.
Report Post »Zeus In A Speedo
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 11:24amDCHETAK – You are exactly correct. I fall into the trap of hating muslims for their evil teachings and evil actions, and I have to constantly remind myself to love the sinner and hate the sin. I have met a few good muslims (not many mind you) and I realize goodness can be tapped from everyone. I pray for all of those Turks who have lost loved ones, family, homes and friends from this tragedy. I pray that muslims in Turkey will see the generocity of Christians and see the goodness of Christ.
Report Post »GroundZero is Nuclear Demolition x3
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 11:27amFTR- This was predicted last night here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMVzbrCfbFw
Report Post »Gorp
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 3:13pmI suppose they will want us to come and bail their sorry a$$e$ out.
Report Post »revel222
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 3:30pmTurkey was on the watch list for the next big problem in the Middle East. Forces above us have assisted and brought distraction. This can only make you think.
Report Post »revel222
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 3:39pmIn response to Groundzero…….”
Report Post »Yesterday, you show seismic activity all over the world. The creepy thing is that yesterday, my house was shaking and doing so in 4 minute intervals, 3 times so I searched the internet and the news to see if we were having an earthquake nearby. I found nothing in north eastern US, so I dropped the issue. It is so interesting to find this out the day after. I just wish I knew where to look when it was happening. Thanks for posting this.
skepticalbecausesomeoneneedstobe
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 4:48pmreally Gorp??
their sorry a$$e$? dying by the thousands?
Report Post »i really hope youre not a self proclaimed christian..
Berbel73
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 5:12pmI hope that we can send aid and search and rescue teams to help them and that they will accept it. It is the right thing to do to help those in need.
Report Post »garyM
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:40amTurkey has rebuked the US and turned their back on us since they reluctantly and partially helped the US take out Hussein, that’s Saddam, not our Hussein. They are leading the Muslims world on making Palestine a state and totally against our best ally Israel. I guess we’ll be rushing over with the earthquake aid, take rescue dogs, borrowing money from China to give them, set up a website to donate, Clinton and Carter will have a money drive for Turkey. Let’s see how this plays out, may be interesting!.
Report Post »baneberrygirl
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:48amI say let the Muslim world (especially the rich countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, etc. send aid for a change.
Report Post »dchetak
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 10:29amI am an Armenian American. The Turks murdered 1.2 million Armenians in the early 1900′s. Most of my Granddad’s family did not survive. Still, I have met some fine, honorable Turks. To wish death on these folks is wrong. Shame on you! It’s not right for us to feel this way just as it is not right for them to hate us.
Report Post »My Lord said,”Love your enemy. Do good to those who would hate you.”
We can’t do anything about their minds, but us, we can correct. Just think about it.
GOD Bless the USA…
Charles
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 10:38amI agree. Let the oil rich creepy sheiks help their “muslim brothers”. The USA is broke.
Report Post »Ballot_Box_Revolution
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 11:18amDo good….yes…..but if it is our government doing the charity then it is meaningless….The point (love your enemy) is not going to get across, therefore it will just be generic money. I think the Christians and the Jews should send most of the help funds…..
Report Post »jordy2010
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:39amCompliments from your moongod allah!!!! That’s for hating the Jews so much..you got what you deserved!!
Report Post »baneberrygirl
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:48amI agree
Report Post »4truth2all
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 12:45pmYeah, and what do you deserve……..?
Report Post »skepticalbecausesomeoneneedstobe
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 4:49pmhaha, you hate the muslims..whats in line for you?
Report Post »mountainmover101
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 11:37pmDude that is so spooky. You know there are a few nutcase scientists that think there is a connection between the moon and earthquakes. Of course, they are probably the same scientists pushing the AGW nonsense. It is still kind of spooky though….and so close to All Hallows’ Eve.
Report Post »Jondolar
Posted on October 24, 2011 at 12:49amI shudder to think what you might share in the way of comments here on The Blaze when a major earthquake hits somewhere along the west coast. A “big one” is overdue for the west coast any time soon.
Report Post »raveen adam
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 7:32amthe victims of the earhqauke are KURDS, not turks,it happend in the kurdish region and city of VAN, they are kurds who have lost everything are a brutually treated by the turkish government and hate the turkish government as much as any country,
Report Post »Wildape
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:37amThe only thing I’m sending to Turkey is my voice of sympathy and well wishes. I’m certain that the charitable “brotherhoods” of Islam will take care of their own.
Report Post »YepImaConservative
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:27amTurkey… no friend to the United States. Oh, and sorry about your losses…
Report Post »idarusskie
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:38amisn’t Turkey a member of NATO? They are our allies.
Report Post »http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/16/world/europe/turkey-accepts-missile-radar-for-nato-defense-against-iran.html
YepImaConservative
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 10:05amHmmmmmm. That my friend doesn’t really make them our friend. I have a long memory and if my memory serves me right… Turkey denied us tactical advantage (troops and material) in our desire to enter northern Iraq through Turkey in our battle against the Saddam-ites.
Report Post »TeaParty_RonPaul_R3VOLUTION
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 10:16amTurkey maybe part of NATO, but they hate israel and they hate the West. Just ask the Christian Armenians. Also, VAN used to be an Armenian city, of course, after the Turks waged war against them.
Report Post »Alky
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 11:24amI say let the muslim brotherhood take care of their own!
Report Post »Robert-CA
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 12:11pm@ IDARUSSKIE
Turkey is our ally when it’s time to cash our $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ they hate us like the rest of the muslim world also they refuse to get help from Christian neighboring countries .
Report Post »RIP for the victims & further investigation will show that they cheated with the amount of concrete in the buildings , it’s always like that in Turkey .
caveman74
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:24amwe do what is right on our side. Let them decide what they do on their side (in regards to any additional aid we may send) God will decide who gets punished and who gets rewarded, not us. That is what my bible teaches me. Remember God among us was a poor carpenter who hung out with prostitutes and tax collectors. It is not up to us to decide what is right and wrong, it is only up to us to decide weather we will do the right thing or not. So yes we need to send aid, lest we have our own non scriptural poor decisions to answer for
Report Post »notatoomah
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:34amI read the whole Bible, not the misconstrued view most have of who Jesus was, and what he taught. He said we were to go forth boldly, and preach His gospel to all nations. So unless we are going there for the express purpose of preaching blood salvation, we have no good reason to go.
Of course, you won‘t agree to that because either it’s pushing your religion on somebody, or you’re afraid, most likely, they will kill you for doing so.
These people have heard the gospel already, and have denied it. No manner of aid we send to them will help them eternally, and we will never be thanked for it. Likely, the Iranians will confiscate all of the supplies we send, and the Turks will starve anyway. This is the same thing that has been happening in Africa, yet where is the outcry?
The other problem you have is spouting “What would Jesus do?” He would pray in school. He wouldn’t allow thieves and hypocrites in His church, unless they came to be saved. He wouldn’t let this country get as sin filled as we have let it become. Fix the problems here, stop looking at other countries. There are many more people here that need saving,. that need help.
Report Post »Jezreel
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 10:11amYou can‘t expect people who don’t know Jesus to have the kind of attitude that you think that they should have. The Lord is coming as a lion this time anyhow. There will be more catastrophic events and plagues as time goes on. Jesus is not going to do it like what those “Left Behind” book that Tim La Haye made millions of dollars off of. It is a shame that people swallow that lying dribble hook like and sinker. Deceived believers will be looking “in the flesh” for events to unfold like the two witness and the temple and miss his coming entirely. For the first time in my life, I got to watch some of those Left Behind series on television not long ago and cannot believe that most Christians remain that simple minded as to believe what is portrayed in these foolish books. They will miss his 2nd coming because of that and not be ready. There will be not empty clothes laying on the beds, and not millions missing. Read your bibles and pray, don’t listen to false teachings that they are able to twist using the word of God.
Report Post »If I have any sympathy for Turkey, it is only for the children and babies, that is all. Mankind, all of us deserve the death penalty anyhow because we are all rotten and stink. I am reminded of that every time I take a dump in the toilet. I don’t know how elites can possibly think that they are any better because they stink just the same as I do.
caveman74
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 8:54pmnot sure why you are so angry at a person you know nothing about (me) I never said what would jesus do. The whole reason for the teaching of christ was love not hate anger and judgement. All the things you have conveyed to me in that one comment. I to have read the entire bible and know the only way to salvation is through christ, and the only way to save the unsaved is to offer them the word of god and show them a proper example of a christ filled life. You are not ministering to anyone if you only offer the word of god and then turn around and show them an example of anger hate and judgement. You are then only misrepresenting our faith, our creator, and that will only strengthen non believers resolve in rebuking the word of god. How can you save the unsaved if you are too busy judging your own christian brothers and sisters?
Report Post »caveman74
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:14pma man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stayeth him~proverbs 28;17…an angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression~proverbs 29:22…is new testament to touchy fealy for you? how about “whoso shedeth mans blood, by mans blood shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man~ genesis 9:6. Our bible is filled cover to cover with instruction and warning to stay away from anger hate and violence. Remember we are the true religion of peace. And not one of us is in a position to judge. as a matter of fact we are directly instructed not to judge others. Christ WILL return as a lion, I don’t remember the part of the bible that tells us to get started early. I don’t think he wants us doing his job
Report Post »nobull14
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:22amGod just gave Turkey a warning bell?
Report Post »lisalake
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 7:01pmYou bet HE did.
Report Post »LiveforFreedom
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:14amThe One who has no name just warned the people and Government of Turkey, change your ways!!
Report Post »Greenwood
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 10:28amThe one who has no name?
Report Post »If you speak of God He does have a name (Jehovah)
Blacktooth
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 11:52amThis is what Jesus Christ said about the present situation on this earth;
Matthew 24:1 – Departing now, Jesus was on his way from the temple, but his disciples approached to show him the buildings of the temple. 2 In response he said to them: “Do YOU not behold all these things? Truly I say to YOU, By no means will a stone be left here upon a stone and not be thrown down.”
3 While he was sitting upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples approached him privately, saying: “Tell us, When will these things be, and what will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?”
4 And in answer Jesus said to them: “Look out that nobody misleads YOU; 5 for many will come on the basis of my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many. 6 YOU are going to hear of wars and reports of wars; see that YOU are not terrified. For these things must take place, but the end is not yet.
7 “For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be food shortages and earthquakes in one place after another. 8 All these things are a beginning of pangs of distress.
Most people do not pay attention to Jesus’ words in Matthew chapter 24.
Report Post »skepticalbecausesomeoneneedstobe
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 4:51pmBlacktooth,
prove it.
Report Post »Blacktooth
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 6:23pmskeptic,
Prove what? What do you not understand?
Report Post »skepticalbecausesomeoneneedstobe
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 10:00pmprove to me that that passage refers specifically to now.
prove to me that that passage is based on fact, that its from a source that can see the future.
Report Post »Blacktooth
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 11:19pmskeptic,
Matthew 24 is an answer to his apostles who asked him how they could identify the “last days” that Jesus was talking about (verse 3). So, he gives them this great prophecy which has a typical and an anti-typical fulfillment. The first fulfillment was during the years from Jesus’ death and resurrection to the year 70 C.E. when Jerusalem experienced their final destruction at Rome’s hand. The second fulfillment applies to our time and will culminate at God’s Great Day at Armageddon.
Report Post »Please read Matthew 24:1-25:46 to get the context of this prophecy and also 1 Timothy 3:1-5 will give you some information on which you can prove it to yourself. I can only give out information, the rest is up to you, to prove to yourself if it is true or not or if it applies to the events you see all around us.
LiveforFreedom
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:12amThe one who has no name, just gave them a warning!!!! Turkey best change their ways and fast!!
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:02am.
Report Post »This is a sign, Ya’ll better be nice to Israel…………..
skippy6
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:00amWhy are we then vilified when we send the most help?? It’s because freedom works!! By that I mean individuals sending money and personally helping out if possible!! Ever since the Muslim population set up camp in the U.S.A, how many have set up charity organizations from the religion of peace?? I personally don’t know the answer to that, if anyone does please post…..
Report Post »13th Imam
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:14amNone, ****** charitable organizations only help other *******. , or buy suicide vests for children, or buy guns for terrorists.
Report Post »Taxpayer550
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 8:46amMy thoughts and prayers are for the citizens of Turkey.
Report Post »rangerp
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 8:57am“Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expanded his confrontation with Israel beyond the 2010 Gaza flotilla incident and into a full-scale assault on Israel’s position in the region. He recently declared that the Turkish navy will escort Turkish vessels going to Gaza to provide aid.: – Washington Post
Genesis 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:15am@Taxpayer — same here. Amen.
Report Post »demint.disciple
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:18amYes and even though we are despised the U.S with be there first with aid and money, and not like $250,000 like Chavez will send, but in the million before it’s all said and done.. WITHOUT so much as a thank you. Course we will still be despised as the evil damn U.S.A
Report Post »ashestoashes
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:34amRangerP Good Post…but Islam will never get it…nor will our President, but hey..we don’t really have anyone in office who represents the “we the people.”
Demint Disciple… Hey..it’s no problem for us. Obama will just print up trillions more dollars and import all the Turkish Muslims that he possibly can. Makes that world wide Caliphate a whole lot easier when your population outnumbers the Christians.
Report Post »watashbuddyfriend
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 8:42amTo paraphrase The Word of God: “…when you turn your back on My People (Israel), I will punish you….”
Report Post »eyestoseeearstohear
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 8:42amGOD has just given them a SHAKE.
They NEED to take heed to the message.
The SAME is going to happen in the US, IF WE DON’T FIGHT THE EVIL IN THE WH, and
Report Post »return our country to honoring and recognizing God – who gave us this land & blessed it.
Don’t believe it?
Then YOU are probably one of those the Bible SAYS won’t have the “spiritual eyes to see” -
therefore, YOU are fulfilling the prophesy of the Bible.
It’s ONLY THOSE WHO DO HAVE “SPIRITUAL EYES TO SEE”, who will understand.
Dustyluv
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 8:52amFully agree.
Report Post »skepticalbecausesomeoneneedstobe
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 4:52pmjust out of curiosity,
what do you find in the WH that is against god?
Report Post »americansfightingforcommonsense
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 8:41amThis is sad to see anywhere in the world, but your right the Turkish government has picked the wtong side and needs to rethink who they are getting in bed with. May God Bless the suffering around the world and touch these people with his grace and comfort.
Report Post »mike_trivisonno
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 8:41amMuslim countries are generally ill-equipped to handle natural disasters. Islamic culture places so little value on individual rights, that it sees no value in implementing life-saving building codes.
We will probably be good dhimmis, and run to their aid.
Report Post »NOTAMUSHROOM
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:37amEXACTLY!!! Which is why they NEVER say thank you and why we will NEVER “win their hearts and minds” like the Neville Chamberlins on the left dream about.
Report Post »LeeroyJenkins
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 8:41amYou need aid and medics? Train them. I guess this is somehow a problem of Americans too. Since it is a Muslim country Obama will certainly be throwing them a mass of aid.. Quit attacking and plotting against Israel and GOD might let you continue to exist.
Report Post »Darla_K
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:27amWhy don‘t they round up Gadaffi’s billions and give to Turkey for aid? He seems the least broke. May God help you Turkey. Can I say that?
Report Post »clockwatcher
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 8:36amLet’s see how much aid the muslim nations send. My bet it will be less than 10% of the aid that comes in Europe and America will set up first. Islam the religion of peace set up and help your own.
Report Post »Speak without Fear
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 8:36amNOT ONE red cent of…………TAXPAYER money.
Report Post »Dustyluv
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 8:53amYou are dreaming…but a nice dream.
Report Post »loriann12
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:30amLet Obummer write them a personal check…he’s helped 10 American families.
Report Post »Duckhead
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 8:35amWe are commanded to love our enemies. God’s ways are higher than our ways.
Report Post »13th Imam
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:17amNowhere did he say to finance your enemies.
Report Post »demint.disciple
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:23am@13TH IMAM.. Course to a liberal redistribution of wealth IS, love they neighbor
Report Post »eyestoseeearstohear
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:42amNOT ENTIRELY TRUE, DUCKHEAD.
God does not COMMAND US TO “ LOVE OUR ENEMIES”…
God IS A JUST GOD….and VENGENCE IS ULTIMATELY HIS…
BUT…an eye for an eye STILL IS IN PLAY.
If someone walks up and KNOCKS THE FIRE OUT OF YA….
YOU JUST DON’T “ TURN THE OTHER CHEEK”….
YOU KNOCK THE “BLAZES OUT OF THEM” AND THEN HELP THEM BACK TO THEIR FEET -
letting them know NOT to do that again!
GOD IS NOT A WIMP AND DOESN’T WANT US TO BE WIMPS, EITHER!
Report Post »NEAF
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 8:34amYeah, let’s go ahead and send them billions of dollars. And see what is going to happen with that money. Just like in Haity’s earthquake. Where is the money?
Report Post »CHICAGOTHUGBUCKET
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 9:19amI think the Christian thing to do is send them our love and prayers but keep our credit card in the treasury! Let China rebuild them now that they are the big kid on the global campus.
Report Post »mike_trivisonno
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 11:07amIf you send money, know that it is not viewed as charity. It is viewed as your jizzya payment to the Ummah, evidence of your submission to the Allah deity, and confirmation of your dhimmi status.
Just quick glimpse into the “mind of the muslim world”.
Govern your actions accordingly.
Report Post »UBETHECHANGE
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 8:32amGod telling them to stay our of Iraq and don’t mess with Israel.
Report Post »UBETHECHANGE
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 8:54am*out
Report Post »Tigger House
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 8:31amMark 13:8
Report Post »Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.
Cat
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 11:32amSomething in Numbers & Deuteronomy as well …
Report Post »BillComstock45
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 8:30amTurkey already gets a huge, annual foreign aid package from America, so I hope they don’t come begging: “USA, we need more money! Help us!”
Oh, wait – we’re the financial suckers of the world, and will certainly be expected to go above-and-beyond to make things right.
Report Post »abbygirl1994
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 8:33amObama will certainly print more money!!
Report Post »SlimnRanger
Posted on October 23, 2011 at 8:28amWell lets see now,Turkey has joined forces with Iran wanting the destruction of Israel and the United States,i reckon maybe Turkey needs bring those flotila boats back and help them selves but i bet the United States will send billions to help them
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