7.2 Earthquake hits Eastern Turkey (42 images)

Turkey accepted humanitarian aid from Israel despite strained relations as the death toll from the 7.2-magnitude earthquake rose to 523, officials said. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the government would more strictly enforce building laws and demolish particularly weak buildings. Poor construction has been cited as a reason for the extent of the disaster.

Emre, a 11-year-old girl stands in front of her destroyed home in Alakoy village, some 20 km from Van, Turkey on October 27, 2011. Officials announced that 534 people have died and more than 2,300 had been injured after the 7.2 magnitude earthquake hits eastern Turkey. UPI/Maryam Rahmanian..

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Survivors from the earthquake stands in front of their tent in Van, Turkey on October 27, 2011. Officials announced that 534 people have died and more than 2,300 had been injured after the 7.2 magnitude earthquake hits eastern Turkey. UPI/Maryam Rahmanian..

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Turkish woman stands in front of her house in Guveali Koyu on October 26, 2011, near Ecris, Turkey. Three days after 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey killing at least 400 and injuring more than a 1,000, rescue workers are still searching for survivors. UPI/Maryam Rahmanian

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Earthquake survivor lie in a tent in Alakoy village, some 20 km from Van, Turkey on October 27, 2011. Officials announced that 534 people have died and more than 2,300 had been injured after the 7.2 magnitude earthquake hits eastern Turkey. UPI/Maryam Rahmanian..

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