ANKARA, Turkey — A 5.7 magnitude earthquake toppled two hotels and 16 other buildings Wednesday in eastern Turkey just two weeks after a strong temblor there killed around 600 people, according to media reports.
State-run TRT television said the quake brought down a six-story hotel, a second hotel, an office buildings and other buildings that had been damaged in the earlier quake in the province of Van. TV footage showed residents and rescuers trying to lift debris to evacuate people believed to be trapped under the hotel in the provincial capital of Van.
Sky Turk television said the hotel was being used by journalists and aid workers who were in the city. About 35 people including reporters and rescue workers were trapped in the rubble, Sky News said.
Panicked people were seen running through the streets, Sky News said.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquake measured 5.7. Turkey's Kandilli seismology center said it struck at 9:23 p.m. (2:23 p.m. EST).
NTV television said rescue teams were being sent to the region from the capital Ankara and other areas, a week after workers had begun clearing debris from the earlier quake.
About 1,400 aftershocks have rocked the region since the 7.2-magnitude earthquake hit the province on Oct. 23. Many residents had been living in tents, despite the cold, too afraid to return to their homes. At least 2,000 buildings were destroyed in the stronger temblor and authorities declared another 3,700 buildings unfit for habitation.
