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.

A woman covers her face as she passes destroyed buildings in Ercis province of Van, in eastern Turkey on October 25, 2011, two days after a powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck killing 366 and injuring some 1,300. UPI/Maryam Rahmanian

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A man sits on the rubble of his destroyed home in Ercis province of Van, in eastern Turkey on October 25, 2011, two days after a powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck killing 366 and injuring some 1,300. UPI/Maryam Rahmanian

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A man sits on the rubble of his destroyed home in Ercis province of Van, in eastern Turkey on October 25, 2011, two days after a powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck killing 366 and injuring some 1,300. UPI/Maryam Rahmanian

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A man mourns near his home as rescue workers search for survivors in the rubble of destroyed buildings in Ercis province of Van, in eastern Turkey on October 25, 2011, two days after a powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck killing 366 and injuring some 1,300. UPI/Maryam Rahmanian

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