Turkey is one of the most active earthquake zones because it is located in an area where several tectonic plates are converging, and actively in motion.  According to geologists, Turkey consists of the Anatolian Tectonic Plate which is surrounded by the Arabian Plate, The Eurasian Plate, and the African Plate.  The movement of these plates, which are still active today, results in hundreds of earthquakes each month, as shown in the seismic map of Turkey.

Earthquakes occurring in the past 30 days. Source: Turkey Department of Earthquakes

The earthquake that occurred in the Eastern part of Turkey was a 7.2 magnitude quake that happened near the city of Van, Turkey. After shocks, some as high as 6.0, are continuing to sffect the region. The map below shows the location of the earthquake near Van in relationship to the capitol city of Ankara.

Earthquake Location Map: Source: USGS

According to researchers at the Kandilli Observatory, this earthquake was the strongest earthquake in Turkey since 1999. Reports indicated that hundreds of buildings collapsed, and there may be hundreds of deaths attributed to this quake. Our hearts go out to the people affected by this earthquake.