He was found in Erciş, one of the most affected by the earthquake which until now has 523 confirmed dead and over 1600 injured. A few hours before a man was rescued from the debris of a building. Snow and rain hamper rescue efforts.

Van (AsiaNews / Agencies) - A 13 year old boy was pulled alive from the rubble 108 hours after the earthquake that devastated the area of Van in southeastern Turkey. The boy was found under the rubble of a collapsed building Erciş, one of the cities hardest hit. Only a few hours before a man, trapped in the debris of an apartment in a building that has collapsed like a house of cards, was rescued by emergency crews.

Despite these almost miraculous cases authorities coordinating rescue operations have little hope of finding other survivors of the earthquake, which so far has 523 confirmed victims. To date 185 people have been found alive in the rubble. Snow and rain, which began to fall in the region are making it more difficult for the rescuers.

Ferhat Tokay, the name of the boy in the photo, was located yesterday evening and this morning, rescue teams were able to reach and rescue him. "He 'was taken to the Sahra hospital and his condition looks good," declared an official. In some areas rescue teams have stopped digging, and are focusing on the survivors. More than 1600 people were injured more or less severely. The winter has come to the area, and many of the survivors are living in tents and makeshift shelters.

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