Strong Earthquake Shakes Eastern Turkey

An official says at least 11 people have died in a strong earthquake in eastern Turkey.

Gov. Muammer Erol says the victims are from the small village of Okcular in Elazig province.

CNN-Turk television says at least six people are trapped under rubble waiting to be rescued.

The United States Geological Service recorded the quake as having a magnitude of 5.9. The Istanbul-based Kandilli Observatory says the quake occurred at 4:32 a.m. (0232 GMT) Monday. It was followed several aftershocks.

Earthquakes are frequent in Turkey, much of which lies atop the North Anatolian fault.

In 1999, two powerful earthquakes struck northwestern Turkey, killing about 18,000 people.