Hundreds of rescuers hunted for survivors Thursday after an earthquake in eastern Turkey killed eight people, toppled buildings and sowed panic less than three weeks after a massive deadly quake in the same area. More than 800 rescue personnel rushed to the area overnight, with mechanical diggers clawing through rubble after the 5.6 magnitude quake struck near the city of Van, sending two hotels crashing down along with two dozen mostly empty buildings.
At least 27 people were pulled out alive, including two members of a Japanese humanitarian association who had come to the area to help after a 7.2 magnitude quake struck on October 23, killing more than 600 people and injuring more than 4,150. It was not clear how many people remained trapped under the rubble.
