An estimated 500 to 1,000 people are feared to have been killed in an earthquake measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale that hit the Van province in southeast Turkey, not far from the border with Iran. Turkish officials said some 3,000 houses were destroyed in the earthquake which was also felt in Tel Aviv. The Kandilli Observatory said the earthquake struck at 10.4` in the morning and was three miles deep. The U.S. Geological Survey initially reported the earthquake was of 7.6 magnitude. Israel's Defense Minister Ehud Barak instructed Amos Gilad head of the ministry's political and security bureau to contact Turkish officials and offer aid and assistance. Israel's Foreign Ministry have also contacted Ankara offering aid. The army's Chief of Staff Lt.Gen. Benny Gantz instructed the army's Home Front command to prepare to travel to Turkey to assist in the relief operation if a request is received.
