Pray for turkey pls...
 

Istanbul, Turkey (CNN) -- As night fell over eastern Turkey on Sunday following the most powerful earthquake in more than a decade, citizens were using flashlights and shovels as they clambered over the rubble of collapsed buildings looking for survivors.
At least seven aftershocks rattled the region, one of the nation's poorest. The extent of casualties was not immediately known; crisis officials said it was too early to release any figures.
The U.S. Geological Survey initially reported the quake had a magnitude of 7.3, then revised it down to 7.2.
Some 25 apartment buildings and a student dormitory collapsed in the town of Ercis on the north shore of Lake Van, the Turkish Red Crescent said.
Local rescuers took many wounded people out of the dormitory, the Red Crescent statement said, without saying exactly how many.
A health services building also collapsed, along with part of a hospital.

I will
 

Sorry to hear one disaster on top of another, and with winter coming.

I can't send a prayer, too many gods to cover with that one, but I send
my condolences and hopes that time will be better.

Zig

I saw it on the news. Terrible.
I hope you and your family are unharmed.
I prayed for the victims of the earthquake and hope the country will soon recover from this disaster.

Those are really sad news and, as other said, winter is approaching and that's a cold region.

Hope there won't be more casualties and a soon recovery for those wounded in the earthquake.

Great people in your country: all our support and respect.

Esteban

My feelings and thoughts are with Turkish people, wishing them to recover from this tragedy very soon.

Hi Guys

I'm driving from Dubai to UK and plan to cross into Eastern Turkey from Iran about 07 Dec.

Can anyone advise if the Southern road around lake Van is open or,should I be considering the Northern shore route?

try to keep away from Van and Erciş.So many rescue teams,ministers and authorities there with private guards and crowded committees..
1-road through erciş is closed.(north of van lake)
2-road through gevaş is closed several hours per day due to consruction works.
(south of van lake)

But if you will be in this area certainly, we recommend you to take the ferry from van to tatvan which also carries trains.From tatvan follow the muş,bingöl,elazığ, malatya main road. Never stop anywhere except city centers.Also so many trucks carrying goods to eartquaked areas, erciş and van towns.Attention to icy and slippery roads.

Been there all last week..Thats why Doğubeyazıt entrance from İran is highly recommended.

Lets keep in touch.If you remind about dec.5-6, we will give you the current situation.

Best wishes

Guys,

Many thanks for that invaluable info and I will indeed stay out of the area and allow those with more pressing needs to do their important work.