Southeast Turkey was again struck by earthquakes, a 6.3 magnitude followed by a 5.8 tremor, amidst the ongoing rescue efforts from the February 6 earthquakes which has claimed the lives of almost 45,000 people. The latest earthquake was centered around the town of Defne, in Hatay province. Turkish TV is reporting the collapse of some damaged buildings with electricity and internet outages, but there are no reports of additional causalities. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is reportedly paying a second visit to the devastated areas, promising reconstruction of new buildings to begin as early as March with higher construction standards. Relief aid continues to arrive from the U.S. and other NATO countries.
