Epress.am News from Armenia
A 5.7-magnitude earthquake hit Van yesterday evening followed by tremors throughout the night. According to international seismic services, there were around 100 tremors, the majority of which were of magnitudes of 3.5 up to 4.7.
Yesterday’s earthquake was also felt in Armenia, particularly in Yerevan.
As reported by the Turkish press, the new earthquake only served to increase the tension in Van. Though the the Turkish Red Crescent said thousands of tents, blankets and heaters had been sent to Van, many victims have been left to fend for themselves due to problems with the methods of distribution of the aid, reports the Hürriyet Daily News.
The government admitted yesterday that it had been caught off guard by the high demand for tents.
“I cannot go back to my village empty handed, the villagers will lynch me,” the head of Karaağaç village, located 39 kilometers from Van’s city center, told the Hürriyet Daily News yesterday, adding that many buildings in his village collapsed or were seriously damaged and the need for tents and food was urgent.
Added to the complaints against efforts to distribute aid was criticism for poorly implemented construction regulations. Construction sector representatives lashed out at the government for failing to properly implement rules and regulations for construction projects, saying building companies deserve a share of the responsibility for the tragedy for trying to save money by cutting costs and not ensuring their buildings were earthquake resistant.
Note, Turkey’s emergency situations agency on Tuesday evening announced that the number of casualties from the first earthquake that struck the region on Sunday was 459 so far.