Turkey Earthquake Cleanup Under Way as Searches Wind Down

Posted October 30th, 2011 at 6:00 am (UTC-5)
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A week after a powerful earthquake killed hundreds of people in Turkey, crews have begun been clearing debris as rescue operations wind down.

Turkish officials say they are concluding their search for survivors unless they get a specific request to look for someone.

Officials say the quake killed 582 people, with 455 of the dead coming from the eastern city of Ecris. Another 4,000 people were injured. About 230 people have been pulled alive from the ruins left behind by last Sunday's 7.2 magnitude quake. The last survivor was rescued early Friday.

Turkish authorities are rushing to provide shelter for thousands of victims left homeless by the quake as cold weather sets in. Some survivors have expressed frustration about the government's response, including a shortage of tents and other temporary shelter.

The U.S. military said Friday it is sending blankets, sleeping bags, hygiene kits and other supplies.

The U.N. refugee agency said Friday it was starting an emergency airlift to the quake-stricken region.

The International Federation of the Red Cross says its Turkish chapter has distributed more than 7,500 tents and 22,000 blankets, as well as stoves, food and clean water.