Rescue workers in Turkey are searching for survivors after a 5.7-magnitude earthquake killed at least seven people.

Officials said Thursday 25 people have been pulled out alive after rescuers worked through the night following the quake late Wednesday in the Van region near the border with Iran. Dozens of people are believed to be trapped under the rubble.

The earthquake struck less than three weeks after a 7.2-magnitude temblor in the region killed about 600 people and displaced thousands.

Wednesday's quake collapsed 25 buildings, but officials say all but three were empty after being evacuated following the October 23 earthquake.

State television reported that among the newly toppled buildings was a six-story hotel, which was used by foreign journalists and aid workers.

The U.S. Geological Survey says the epicenter Wednesday was about 15 kilometers from Van province, which was devastated by the October earthquake. Thousands of people have been living in tents since that disaster.

It is not clear if Wednesday's quake was a strong aftershock.