Obama, Clinton issue condolences for victims of earthquake in Turkey

President Obama expressed condolences for the victims of the earthquake that hit eastern Turkey on Sunday.

“We have been following reports of the earthquake in Turkey’s eastern province of Van with great concern,” Obama said in a statement. “On behalf of the American people, I express my deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Our thoughts and prayers are with the brave men and women who are working to bring assistance to this stricken region. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our Turkish ally in this difficult time, and are ready to assist the Turkish authorities.”

{mosads}Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the U.S. is ready to help Turkey in its recovery efforts.

“I join President Obama and send my deepest condolences to the people of Turkey in the wake of today’s earthquake,” Clinton said. “My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of those killed and injured. The United States stands ready to assist in the effort to rescue survivors and we are committed to the people of Turkey as they recover and rebuild.”

The United States Geological Survey said that the earthquake that hit Van, Turkey and the surrounding eastern region had a magnitude of 7.2. Turkey’s state TRT television news service said that 59 people had been killed and 150 had been injured.

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The news agency also said that inmates at a prison in the region where the earthquake had been hit had escaped.

This story was updated at 2:46 p.m.