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Turkey Earthquake: 5.0 Magnitude Quake Hits Turkey

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USGS

Eastern Turkey was rocked by a strong 5.0 magnitude quake Monday.

The quake struck the village of Sultani, in the eastern province of Mus at 1:35 p.m. local time.

The quake demolished barns and caused damage to mud-brick homes at the village in its epicenter, according to AP.

It had a depth of 23.1 kilometers and struck 72 miles northwest of Van, where in earlier months another strong quake struck.

Earthquakes are frequent in Turkey, which is crossed by fault lines, and the country has suffered two serious quakes in recent months.

In October, a powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake rocked eastern Turkey, injuring over 100 and leaving many others dead.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake struck nearly 10 miles from Van shortly after 1:30 p.m. local time.

According to the USGS website, the October earthquake killed more than 500 people, left 2,300 people injured and damaged or destroyed 14,618 buildings.

The devastating quake prompted U.S. President Obama to release a statement, ” “Our thoughts and prayers are with the brave men and women who are working to bring assistance to this stricken region,” he said.

“We stand shoulder to shoulder with our Turkish ally at this difficult time, and are ready to assist the Turkish authorities.”

The quake was followed by another in November:  a 5.7 Magnitude struck eastern Turkey, toppling two hotels and destroying other buildings.