Three people have been killed after at least 18 buildings, including two hotels, collapsed in eastern Turkey after a 5.7-magnitude quake struck just south of the city of Van near the Iranian border tonight, Turkish state television reported.
TRT Haber news channel said a large number of people were trapped under the buildings and rescue workers could be seen searching through the rubble.
Sky Turk television said the collapsed hotel was being used by journalists and aid workers who were in the city.
Less than three weeks ago, a 7.6 magnitude quake hit just northeast of Van, killing some 600 people.
The earthquake struck at 7.23pm Irish time at a depth of 4.8 km.
Panicked people could be seen running through the streets and ambulances rushed through the town with their sirens wailing.
Agencies