ANKARA, Turkey — A Turkish official on Monday said at least five peoplehave died in a strong earthquake that hit the eastern province ofElazig.
Gov. Muammer Erol said the victims are from the small village of Okcular. TheIstanbul-based Kandilli Observatory says the quake occurred at 4:32a.m. Monday. It was followed by an aftershock measuring 4.1.
Earthquakes are frequent in Turkey, much of which lies atop the North Anatolian fault. In 1999, two powerful earthquakes struck northwestern Turkey, killing about 18,000 people.