Earthquake In Van, Turkey

October 24, 2011

Embassy of the United States of America
Ankara, Turkey

The U.S. Embassy in Turkey informs U.S. citizens that a 7.2 magnitude earthquake occurred in the eastern province of Van, Turkey, yesterday, October 23, 2011 causing great loss of life and many injuries, especially in the cities of Van and Ercis.  There were several powerful aftershocks and many buildings in the area sustained serious damage.  Rescue and clean-up efforts are continuing.  The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to avoid the area of the earthquake at this time.   We also encourage U.S. citizens to take steps to ensure your personal safety, and listen to media reports for more information on the earthquake. 

U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad should enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to obtain updated information on travel and security.  U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy or nearest Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.  For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad."

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's website, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  We also invite U.S. citizens to read the Country Specific Information for Turkey.

U.S. citizens with questions or concerns may contact the American Citizens Services Unit of the Embassy or the Consulates General for further information.

Contact information for the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Turkey:

The U.S. Embassy in Ankara is located at 110 Ataturk Boulevard, tel: (90)(312) 455-5555, fax (90)(312) 468-6131.  The Internet address is http://ankara.usembassy.gov.

The U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul is located at Uçsehitler Sokagi No. 2, 34460, Istinye, Sariyer, tel: (90) (212) 335-9000, fax (90) (212) 335-9102.  Istanbul-specific information can also be accessed via the Consulate's web site at http://istanbul.usconsulate.gov/.

The U.S. Consulate in Adana is located at Girne Bulvari No. 212, Guzelevler Mahallesi, Yuregir, Adana, Turkey. tel: (90)(322) 346-6262, fax (90)(322) 346-7916, web site: http://adana.usconsulate.gov.

The U.S. Consular Agency in Izmir can be contacted at (90)(232) 464-8755.