Rescuers seek more quake survivors

Thousands of people in eastern Turkey have spent a second night outdoors in near-freezing conditions, afraid to return to their homes following a deadly earthquake that has been followed by hundreds of aftershocks.

Searchers are picking through the ruins in the cities of Ercis and Van in the hope of finding more survivors.

The Dogan news agency said rescuers pulled five people out of the rubble alive in the early hours today.

Volunteer Mahir Yatagan said his search and rescue organisation, Akut, is still hoping to receive phone calls or text messages from people trapped in the debris.

The death toll from Sunday’s earthquake currently stands at 279, with 1,300 injured.