Canada PM expresses sympathy for Turkey earthquake

WASHINGTON

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday offered sympathy to those affected by a deadly earthquake in eastern Turkey.

"Devastating news from Turkey this evening. Our hearts go out to everyone who was injured or who has lost a loved one in today’s earthquake," said Trudeau on Twitter.

The 6.8-magnitude quaked rattled eastern Elazig province at 8.55 p.m. local time, with its epicenter in Sivrice distritc, along with neighboring provinces and countries including Syria and Georgia.

At least 18 people were killed and more than 650 others injured.

"We’re keeping you in our thoughts tonight," Trudeau wrote.

According to the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD), 118 aftershocks, with magnitudes ranging from 2.7 to 5.4, were felt in the area following the powerful quake.

The quake came a day after a 5.4-magnitude quake jolted western province of Manisa on Wednesday. And the capital Ankara was rattled by a 4.5-magnitude quake Thursday.

A total of 51 people were killed in 2010 when a 6.0-magnitude quake hit Elazig.