Turkish president visits quake scene and denies nation was unprepared

The death toll has climbed to 29 after the strong tremor hit Elazig province on Friday evening.

Rescuers search for people buried under the rubble of a collapsed building in Elazig, eastern Turkey (Can Celik/DHA via AP)

By Andrew Wilks, Associated Press

The death toll from a strong earthquake that rocked eastern Turkey has climbed to 29 as rescue crews continue the search for people trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.

Interior minister Suleyman Soylu said earlier on Saturday that 18 people were killed in Elazig province, where Friday night’s quake was centred, and four in neighbouring Malatya.