UN chief "deeply saddened" by loss of life, destruction in Turkey earthquake

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that he was "deeply saddened by the loss of life and destruction" in Sunday's massive earthquake in eastern Turkey. "The secretary-general was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and destruction in today's earthquake in eastern Turkey," said a statement issued here by Ban's spokesman. "He expresses his heartfelt sympathies to the Government and people of Turkey at this time of loss and suffering," the statement added. The death toll from the 7.2-magnitude earthquake rose over 200 early Monday, as rescuers were racing against time to search for survivors in the quake-hit zone. "The secretary-general commends the Turkish authorities for their rapid response to the situation," the statement said. "The United Nations is in contact with the relevant authorities and stands ready to offer any assistance if requested." Turkey, lying atop the North Anatolian fault, is prone to earthquakes. On March 8, 2010, at least 38 people died and dozens of others were injured after a 6.0-magnitude earthquake hit the Elazig province in eastern Turkey. On Aug. 17, 1999, two powerful earthquakes hit northwestern and western Turkey, killing about 18,000 people and affecting hundreds of thousands of others. A major earthquake hit Turkey's Van province in November 1976, with 5,291 confirmed dead. The province had a population of just more than one million.