14 people killed and hundreds hurt in powerful earthquake in eastern Turkey

At least 14 people have been killed and hundreds hurt in a powerful earthquake in eastern Turkey.

The 6.8 magnitude quake, centred on the town of Sivrice in Elazig province, caused buildings to collapse and sent residents rushing into the street.

Tremors were also felt in neighbouring Syria, Lebanon and Iran.

Earthquakes are common in Turkey - about 17,000 people died in a massive quake in the western city of Izmit in 1999.

Yesterdays quake struck at about 20:55 local time (17:55 GMT), and was followed by several aftershocks.

The governor of Elazig said eight people had died in the province, while the governor of neighbouring Malatya said six died there.

[Source: BBC]