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.

Rescue workers search the rubble of destroyed buildings in Van, Turkey on October 24, 2011. A day after a powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquakes struck Eastern Turkey, more than 250 are confirmed dead and some officials expect the toll to rise to a thousand. UPI/Maryam Rahmanian

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A shoe is seen next to the rubble of destroyed buildings in Van, Turkey on October 24, 2011. A day after a powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquakes struck Eastern Turkey, more than 250 are confirmed dead and some officials expect the toll to rise to a thousand. UPI/Maryam Rahmanian

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