Turkish deputy premier says 231 people pulled alive from rubble so far

VAN (A.A) - October 29, 2011 - Turkey's deputy prime minister said on Saturday that 231 people were pulled alive from rubble after last Sunday's massive earthquake that hit the eastern province of Van. Besir Atalay said 90 buildings had collapsed in the earthquake, 84 of which were in Van's Ercis town and six of which were in downtown Van. "Search and rescue efforts are underway in four buildings in Ercis, and efforts will be completed till this evening," Atalay told reporters. Atalay also said 582 people died in the earthquake, including 455 in Ercis, 61 in downtown Van and 66 in villages. A 7.2 magnitude earthquake rocked Van last Sunday.