Moderate earthquake hits eastern Van province

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A 5.4-magnitude earthquake hit Turkey's eastern province of Van at 1.03 p.m. today (June 25). The Interior Ministry's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) has announced that the quake struck off the Özalp district and originated at a depth of 6.9 kilometers.

While the earthquake was also felt in the nearby Hakkari and Bitlis provinces, it has caused damage to several buildings and barns in the Neighborhood of Elaçmaz in the district of Gürpınar in Van.

As reported by the state-run Anadolu Agency (AA),Van Governor Mehmet Emin Bilmez has said that some houses have been damaged due to the tremors and damage assessment studies are ongoing. 

Indicating that one house has partly collapsed in a village, Governor has added that they are also receiving reports as to other damaged buildings in some neighborhoods. No fatalities have been reported so far.

'There are moderately and heavily damaged houses'

According to a statement by the Van Governor's Office, Governor Bilmez has set for the region together with Van Provincial Gendarmerie Commander Brigadier Yüksel Yiğit, AFAD Provincial Director Osman Uçar and Provincial Director of Environment and Urbanization Ali Kemal Atlı.

They reportedly examined the area in a helicopter. Van Governor Bilmez has indicated that there are moderately and heavily damaged houses in 15 neighborhoods. He has also added that five citizens have been wounded.

Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu has said on Twitter that further updates on the situation will be given to the public by Governor's Office and AFAD.

Iran and Turkey are among the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. In February, at least nine people died and 50 others were injured in Van after a magnitude-5.9 earthquake struck near the Iranian border region. (RT/SD)