Earthquake in Elazığ: 41 dead

The number of people who died in the earthquake in Elazığ has increased to 41. The HDP said the police and the gendarmerie prevent aid from reaching the victims.

Search and rescue teams continue to work following the 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Elazığ.

Three people were recovered under the debris but unfortunately they had died.

Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) announced that 1,515 out of the 1,607 people who were admitted to hospitals after the earthquake have already been discharged.

Rescue teams have been able to reach 128 people who had been trapped under the debris, however 41 had alredy died.

AFAD said: "Of the buildings examined in Elazığ and Malatya, 87 buildings were destroyed, 1,287 were heavily damaged, 56 were not too seriously damaged and 876 suffered minor damages. A further 12 buildings were said in need to be demolished immediately, 627 buildings were found to be undamaged."

The HDP said that aid sent by Ergani Municipality was not allowed entrance to Elazığ.

A TIR containing aid material sent by HDP-run Kars Municipality, was stopped by the police in Kovancılar district. 

It has been learned that the communities and religious organizations and municipalities that provide aid from many cities have been delivered their goods without any problem. It appears that just the HDP is prevented from delivering aid. 

No help except tents

A delegation of HDP and the Socialist Party of the Oppressed (ESP), carried out an investigation in the districts of Malatya, Pütürge and Doğanyol.

It was determined that there are no safe houses in the area and those still standing are not safe. The people said that no aid has been provided to them except tents.

The delegation later joined the condolence memorial for those who lost their lives in the Gökçe District of Doğanyol district.

HDP deputies brought to parliament the issue of why the aid sent by HDP-run municipalities has been turned down.

HDP Şırnak MP Nuran Imir and HDP Deputy co-chair for Ecology Murat Çepni also asked, "What is the reason for not taking any precautions despite the warning given by many scientists before the earthquake?"