7.2 magnitude earthquake rocks eastern Turkey

7.2-Magnitude Quake Devastates Eastern Turkey
A powerful earthquake has hit the city of Van in the eastern part of Turkey, causing masonry to fall, injuries and deaths.

Emergency services are trying to rescue people trapped in fallen buildings after the 7.2 magnitude quake rocked the city close to the Iranian border.

Fifty injured people were taken to hospital but it is unclear how serious their injuries were. The death toll is still unconfirmed.

Turkish media said phone lines and electricity had been cut during the quake.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan was heading to Van to see the extent of the damage. The Transport Minister says that Van airport is open and operating.

Major geological faultlines cross Turkey and small earthquakes are a near daily occurrence.