Four days after a massive earthquake rocked eastern turkey, officials confirmed the death toll had risen to 523. Rescue efforts continued Thursday as the number of people pulled alive from the rubble began to dwindle. Two survivors were found on Wednesday, but none were found on Thursday. According to the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Relief Agency, at least 185 people have been rescued so far. At least 1,650 people were injured.
The 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit Sunday afternoon at a depth of 12.4 miles in the city of Tabanli, which is about 12 miles outside of Van. At least 120 aftershocks followed. Van and the city of Ercis were the hardest hit areas with hundreds of buildings reportedly destroyed.
Residents fled their homes after the initial temblor and many have not returned, choosing instead to sleep in the streets and face near freezing temperatures. Aid workers are handing out supplies, but many people are still without shelter and food. The Red Cross reports at least 7,500 tents have been handed out along with about 20,000 blankets.
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