<br/> In Turkey, at least 57 people were killed in a strong earthquake that hit the eastern Elazig province early today. The 6.2-magnitude quake centred on the village of Basyurt of the province. The quake which struck at 0432 hours local time, has been followed by more than 40 aftershocks. Officials said at least 100 injured people have been taken to hospital as some of them were reportedly hurt during the panic after the first earthquake, when they jumped from windows or balconies.<br/><br/> According to Elazig Governor Muammer Erol, majority of deaths occurred in the nearby villages of Okcular, Yukari Kanatli and Kayali. He said many people in the affected villages lived in mud-brick homes built on hillsides, which were especially prone to collapse. Rescuers said at least 17 of the dead came from the largest village, Okcular, where up to 30 houses collapsed. <br/><br/> The government disaster management centre and Turkish Red Crescent have already sent blankets and tents to the area to provide emergency shelter for survivors in the harsh weather. Deputy Prime Minister Cemil Cicek and three other ministers are also travelling to the earthquake zone to provide assistance.