Turkey continues rescue work after powerful earthquake, death toll hits 81
Rescue teams in the western Turkish city of Izmir are continuing to search for survivors of Friday’s powerful earthquake, as the death toll increased to 81.
According to Turkish authorities 79 were killed in Izmir, while while two teenagers died on the Greek island of Samos, Reuters reported.
Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Authority (AFAD), said 962 people had been injured in the earthquake, adding that more than 3,500 tents and 13,000 beds have been supplied to provide temporary shelter.
AFAD also said that 740 victims had so far been discharged from hospital.
Istanbul-based Kandilli Institute said that Friday’s earthquake had a magnitude of 6.9, and was centered in the Aegean Sea, northeast of Samos.