2010 Elazığ earthquake

Earthquake

The quake occurred on the East Anatolian Fault, a major transform fault which represents the boundary between the Anatolian Plate and the Arabian plate.

Damage

According to officials, most of the deaths occurred in three villages: Okçular, Yukarı Kanatlı and Kayalı. At least five villages, though, suffered loss of life. Villagers fled buildings, spending the night outside and lighting fires in the streets for warmth.

Thirty houses collapsed in Okçular, and the death toll is at least 17. Reports from the scene indicate "the village is totally flattened" and "everything has been knocked down – there is not a stone in place".

At least 25 people died in Yukarı Demirci, and emergency services went to Kovancılar.

Many people used vehicles and taxis to drive to the hospital. Most were asleep at the time the quake struck, with four sleeping sisters perishing in one house. Farm animals were also killed, and minarets fell down.

Aftershocks

Several aftershocks were felt, the strongest measuring 5.5 (at 09:47 local time), 5.1 (at 12:14) and 5.3 (at 13:12). A total of over 20 aftershocks were counted within a short time following the quake. Villagers were told to stay away from buildings for several days due to the potential of further aftershocks.

Onur Tan et al. (2011) analyzed 2130 aftershocks (ML≥0.3) and reported in Geophysical Research Letters.

Response

: Four government ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister Cemil Çiçek, visited the scene as soon as news of the earthquake was reported. The Red Crescent and Turkey's disaster management centre donated blankets and tents. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan later arrived.

: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani sent a condolence message to his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdoğan over the loss of lives and property and said that "We have learnt with utter sense of shock and profound sadness the news of the massive earthquake that has hit your beautiful country, today. Our hearts go out to our Turkish brethren over the loss of precious lives and destruction of property. I wish to convey, on behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan and on my own behalf our deepest condolences and commiserations to the people and Government of Turkey in bearing this enormous natural calamity."

: Defense Minister Ehud Barak ordered an aid proposal to be put together but later said that Turkey informed Israel that it did not require assistance at this time.

References

References

1. (2010-03-08). "Başyurt-Karakocan (Elâzığ) 08.03.2010 04:32:31". Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute, Boğaziçi University.
2. (2010-03-08). "Magnitude 6.1 – EASTERN TURKEY". United States Geological Survey.
3. (2010-03-08). "Strong earthquake hits eastern Turkey". BBC News.
4. (10 March 2010). "Elazığ depreminde ölü sayısı 10 kişi düştü". [[Hürriyet]].
5. "Elazığda Ölü Sayısı 42 Oldu 13 Mart 2010 14:10".
6. (8 March 2010). "Strong quake in eastern Turkey kills 41". [[The Sydney Morning Herald]].
7. (8 March 2010). "Death toll from Turkish quake climbing". [[news.com.au]].
8. Nick Iliev. (8 March 2010). "Many dead in strong Turkey earthquake". [[The Sofia Echo]].
9. (4 March 2010). "Earthquake warning for Turkey". [[Al Jazeera English.
10. [http://www.emsc-csem.org/index.php?page=current&sub=recent&evt=158429 Mw 6.0 Basyurt-Karakocan (Eastern Turkey) on 08/03/2010 at 02:32 UTC] [[European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre]]
11. Burhan Ozbilici. (8 March 2010). "Survivors shiver in Turkey after quake kills 51".
12. Sebnem Arsu. (8 March 2010). "Quake Kills Dozens in Eastern Turkey". The New York Times.
13. (8 March 2010). "11 killed, over 20 injured in earthquake in Turkey".
14. (8 March 2010). "Earthquake rocks eastern Turkey". [[Al Jazeera English.
15. Andy Jack. (8 March 2010). "Deadly Earthquake Hits Eastern Turkey". [[Sky News]].
16. (2010-03-08). "Başyurt-Karakocan (Elâzığ) 08.03.2010 09:47:38". Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute, Boğaziçi University.
17. (2010-03-08). "Başyurt-Karakocan (Elâzığ) 08.03.2010 12:14:23". Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute, Boğaziçi University.
18. (2010-03-08). "Gökdere-Palu (Elâzığ) 08.03.2010 13:12:10". Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute, Boğaziçi University.
19. (9 March 2010). "PM sympathizes with Turkish counterpart on massive earthquake".
20. [http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3859699,00.html Turkey rejects Israel's offer of post-quake aid]
21. ISC. (2016). "ISC-GEM Global Instrumental Earthquake Catalogue (1900–2012)". [[International Seismological Centre]].
22. "M6.1 – eastern Turkey". United States Geological Survey.