Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has expressed his "deepest sympathy and condolences" to the people and Government of Turkey after a devastating earthquake that struck the eastern part of the country on Sunday.
The 7.2 magnitude quake is reported to have claimed many lives, leaving many more injured and property damaged.
In sending his heartfelt condolences to Turkey, particularly to the families that have lost loved ones, Zuma said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Turkish people during this difficult time of mourning."
Meanwhile, a total of 275 rescue teams from 38 Turkish provinces have reached the quake-hit Van province in southeast Turkey, Turkey's TRT television reported on Sunday, quoting the country's Prime Minister's Office.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is visiting the quake-stricken area to assess the situation.
Turkey's Dogan news agency reported that 85 Turks were killed in the strong earthquake; 25 bodies were found in Van city of Van province, 59 bodies in Ercis town - the worst hit in the quake, and another in Adlicevaz town of Bitlis province nearby.
The report said that more than 500 people were injured in the quake and the death toll may increase.
More than 17 aftershocks, including a 5.1-magnitude tremor, had happened, it said.
