Debris cleared after Turkey quake

Turkish workers have started razing damaged buildings and clearing the debris of collapsed ones a week after a massive earthquake killed at least 596 people.

A 5.3-magnitude aftershock early this morning caused panic in the quake zone in eastern Van province, where thousands of survivors spent the night in tents.

People screamed in panic as the aftershock jolted apartment buildings in the city of Van.

Authorities today urged survivors not to enter damaged buildings. About 1,400 aftershocks have been recorded since last Sunday’s 7.2-magnitude killer quake, they said.

At least 2,000 buildings have been destroyed and authorities have declared another 3,700 buildings unfit for habitation.

In the worst-hit town of Ercis, workers have started using excavators to clear the rubble of collapsed buildings as hopes for survivors diminish.

Not all the missing have been recovered and some families are still waiting for news about the fate of their loved ones.

The earthquake has killed at least 596 people and injured 4,152 others, the country’s disaster management agency said in an update this morning.

Thousands of homeless people are struggling in tents in the bitter cold as rain and snow brought more hardship.

Israel, which has a troubled political relationship with Turkey, sent more emergency housing units and warm clothing on two planes last night, an Israeli defence military official said.

Britain, Ireland, Iran, Germany, Russia and Japan were among other contributors.