Since 1999 and Imzit earthquake, measuring 7.6, Turkey has not experienced such a catastrophe. However, in this seismic area formed by the meeting of several tectonic plates, earthquakes are quite usual and the population is well-prepared to them. Unfortunately, building security norms are too less followed, hence the significant damages.
The quake, measuring 7.2, hit the eastern part of Turkey on Sunday. It devastated Van’s area, and the death and material tolls don’t stop rising. Already 459 people are reported dead, 1.350 injured. And it is still impossible to measure how many are missing.