45,000 DEAD

Grey River Argus, 3 January 1940, Page 6

45,000 DEAD

i TURKISH QUAKES i I New Area Suffers

[Aust. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] ANKARA, January 1. . It is officially estimated that 45,000 are dead, as a result of the earthquakes. While rescue work is proceeding, villagers are taking refuge in the mountains, from the Anatolian floods. There is an almost total submergence of the Ismid Gulf area, the site of the Turkish naval base of Kernel Pasha. The dams burst and hundreds of houses collapsed, pinning 150 occupants in the ruins. The survivors are. fleeing in boats. The floods are now subsiding, but rain continues. Milder earthquake shocks are reported. Huge fissures, torn in the mountain sides ’between A.masya and Tokat, belch smoke, sulphur, and bbiling water. Many vessels are feared to have been lost, as a result of storms in the Black Sea. The steamer, Turkan, sank with a crew of 20 and a full cargo. Trains crowded with injured are arriving at Sivas. The survivors are mental and physical wrecks, babbling disconnected tales of horror. The situation lasted for four days, until rescuers reached Erzindjan. The Turkish Press is indignant over German broadcasts, which not only refrain from expressing sympathy, but comment on the mistaken Turkish policy, comparing the present leaders adversely with Ataurk. The Press, comparing this attitude with Britain’s sympathy, says it confirms the view that the Germans are doing their utmost to provide the world’s disgust. FRESH SHOCKS. ' ' 1 Aust. N Z. Cable Assn 1 * (Received January 2, 7 p.m.) ANKARA, January 1. In the Dubrovnik area an earthquake has occurred, and has damaged several buildings.