Magnitude 7.2 Earthquake in Eastern Turkey

A magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck at 1:41 p.m. local time near Van in far eastern Turkey (Google Map). The United States Geological Survey produced an immediate ShakeMap of the likely shaking based on the Modified Mercalli Scale of earthquake intensity. The USGS also issued a PAGER "red" alert for the earthquake, indicating a high likelihood of significant casualties and damage. BoingBoing provides a collection of photos and links to local news and other sources on the earthquake.