Two weeks after a powerful earthquake struck eastern Turkey, the country was hit with yet another quake on Wednesday, toppling two hotels and destroying other buildings, according to reports.
The 5.7 magnitude earthquake rattled a six-story hotel, causing it to collapse and causing other buildings to fall with people trapped inside, the Associated Press reported.
The report says several buildings that were damaged by the previous earthquake couldn’t hold up a second time and toppled to the ground. Rescuers were seen pulling debris in an attempt to save those trapped underneath the rubble.
The United States Geological Survey reported that the earthquake hit the epicenter at 9:23 p.m.
According to the USGS website, the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that hit Turkey on Oct. 23, killed more than 500 people, left 2,300 people injured and damaged or destroyed 14,618 buildings. The powerful quake was felt throughout other countries in the region.
With the death toll so high, President Obama released a statement saying his thoughts and prayers were with the “brave men and women” who were attempting rescue missions and assisting the injured.
“We stand shoulder to shoulder with our Turkish ally at this difficult time, and are ready to assist the Turkish authorities,” Obama said.
“There are so many dead. Several buildings have collapsed. There is too much destruction,” Zulfikar Arapoglu, the mayor of Ercis, told NTV television of the October quake, according to the Associated Press. “We need urgent aid. We need medics.”
Last month’s earthquake, which left many residents homeless, was followed by more than 1,000 aftershocks.
