Seven dead as second earthquake strikes Turkey near city where 600 were killed in disaster three weeks ago

* 5.7-magnitude quake hits south of Van, eastern Turkey
* 20 buildings have collapsed, including two hotels
* People trapped in rubble can be heard calling out for help
* Workers manage to pull 23 survivors from the destruction
* Over 100 feared buried as rescuers search wreckage
* Rescue worker who had rushed to Turkey to help victims of last quake pulled from wreckage of latest tremor







At least seven people are dead and 18 buildings, including two hotels, have collapsed in eastern Turkey after a 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck near the Iranian border.

Over 20 buildings collapsed in the provincial capital of Van following a 5.7-magnitude quake, leaving over 100 people feared buried under the rubble.

In a grim replay of scenes from last month's quake in the same region, men climbed onto piles of debris and frantically clawed at twisted steel and crumbled concrete in an attempt to find survivors.

Voices could be heard calling for help from under the debris, and at least 23 people were pulled alive from the rubble in early rescue efforts, according to Turkish media.

Rescue workers speeded up their search for survivors by daylight on Thursday, trying to open tunnels into the debris, CNN-Turk television reported.

The workers used the glare of high-powered lights to work throughout the night despite several aftershocks.

State-run TRT television said at least seven bodies were recovered and, citing a hotel worker, reported that 35-40 people were believed to be trapped in the rubble of the Bayram Hotel.

Other reports suggested that as many as 100 people were feared buried in the aftermath of the Turkish quake.

Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay said Wednesday's quake toppled 25 buildings in the city of Van, but only three of them were occupied since the others have been evacuated after suffering damages in last month's powerful earthquake.

Hotel owner Aslan Bayram told NTV television that the hotel had 27 guests, about half of whom were inside when the quake hit.

Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay said the quake toppled a hotel, a school and a number of mudbrick homes. He said rescue teams are being sent to the region from the capital, Ankara, and other areas.