Diplomatic missions condole with Turkey over earthquake

By Havva Kara Aydin

ANKARA (AA) - A number of countries and foreign diplomatic missions to Turkey sent condolences Friday to Turkey for a powerful earthquake that hit the eastern part of the country.

“The EU stands with Turkey, expresses deepest condolences to the families of the victims and sincere hopes for speedy recovery of the injured,” said the Delegation of the European Union to Turkey.

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Mustafa Akinci expressed sorrow in a statement after hearing about those killed and injured in the quake.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias wished for a quick recovery.

The 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Elazig province late Friday and tremors were felt across neighboring provinces.

Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) announced the quake claimed at least 14 lives and injured scores of residents.

It is not the first quake Turkey has observed in 2020. A 5.4-magnitude quake jolted western province of Manisa on Wednesday, and Ankara was rattled by a 4.5-magnitude quake Thursday.

In 2010, Elazig province was hit by a 6.0-magnitude earthquake, killing 51 people.