24 October 2011

Earthquake: South eastern Turkey (Van, Vitlis and Hakkari Provinces)

On 23 October 2011, at 13.41 local time (10.41 GMT), an earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale occurred around 9 miles from the  southeastern city of Van (Van Province) and 73 miles from Hakkari (Hakkari Province) [1]. The earthquake and strong aftershocks affected the cities of Van and Ercis (Van Province) and the neighbouring provinces of Vitlis and Hakkari [2]. There are confirmed reports of 217 people killed, around 1,000 injured and hundreds missing or homeless; the death toll is expected to rise [3].

There has been severe damage to buildings in the cities of Van and Ercis and disruption to electricity, water, telecommunication and transport services in the region. Further disruption to these services is anticipated [2]. Much of affected area is remote and mountainous. This is the most powerful earthquake to hit Turkey in the last ten years [3].

Turkish authorities including the armed forces and NGOs are undertaking a rescue and relief operation [4, 3].

A map of the affected areas is available.  

Advice for travellers

The infrastructure and communications networks have been severely disrupted; there is an increased risk of food and waterborne disease, as well as a risk of accidents and injuries.

There are no travel restrictions in place for Turkey; however flights to Van Province may be disrupted and subject to cancellations. Travellers should check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website for current travel advisories.

Country-specific health advice for travellers to Turkey can be found on the NaTHNaC Country Information Page.  General advice can also be found in the NaTHNaC Advice for relief workers and other travellers to areas affected by natural disasters. Those wishing to assist should contact appropriate aid and charity agencies for guidance on how best they can help. Travelling to an affected area independently and without adequate preparation may put a strain on the already challenged emergency and medical services in the area.

Further Clinical Updates will be posted on the NaTHNaC website as more information becomes available.

References:

1. U.S Geological Survey. Magnitude 7.2, Eastern Turkey 2011 October 23 10:41:21 UTC. [Accessed 23 October, 2011]. Available at:  http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/

usb0006bqc.php

2. International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Information Bulletin: Turkey Earthquake No. 1 23 October 2011. [Accessed 24 October, 2011]. Available at: http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/IB23

1011TU.pdf

3. International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Relief effort under way following huge earthquake. [Accessed 23 October, 2011]. Available at:  http://reliefweb.int/node/454806

4. Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Basbakanlik. Vatandaslarimizi yalniz birakmayacagiz. [Accessed 23 October, 2011] [In Turkish]. Available at: http://www.basbakanlik.gov.tr/Forms/pActuelDetail.aspx

Links:

Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Turkey

NaTHNaC: Advice for relief workers and other travellers to areas affected by natural disasters

Map of affected areas