LOC02:09
23:09 GMT
ISTANBUL, Oct 30 (KUNA) -- Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) said at least 17 people were killed and 709 others injured when a 6.6-magnitude earthquake jolted the western city of Izmir.
The powerful quake struck at 2:51 pm., local time (11:51 GMT) at a depth of 16.54 kilometers, Anadolu Agency reported Friday night, citing a statement by AFAD.
It was followed by at least 196 aftershocks, including 23 measuring above 4.0 degrees, Richter Scale.
Search and rescue operations continue at 17 destroyed buildings with 2,799 workers and over 50 vehicles taking part.
So far, 70 people have been rescued from the debris, Izmir Governor Yavuz Selim Kosger said.
The Turkish Red Crescent also sent 48 staffers, 16 vehicles, and three mobile field kitchens which have the capacity to serve over 25,000 displaced people.
Also, 960 disaster tents, 4,500 blankets, 3,672 beds were dispatched to the region, the AFAD added. (end)
wa.gb