Earthquake in the Van province

An earthquake of a 7.2 magnitude on the Richter scale hit the province of Van near the Iranian borders.

The provisional toll, by October 28, 2011, refers to approximately 550 dead and more than 2 300 injured. Kandilli city research institute has listed 3 713 damaged buildings. No estimate of insured losses has been made.

The earthquake epicenter is located in a poor mountainous region where only 9% of the constructions have compulsory covers against earthquakes. The impact on the insurance market should be limited.

It is the most important earthquake since the one which occurred in 1999.