tremors were felt as far away as India
A powerful has hit Iran killing dozens of people and destroyed homes and shook northern and western India as well.
Reports say 7.8 magnitude quake struck close to the Iranian border with Pakistan. The strong tremor reportedly could be felt from Kabul to Delhi and Dubai.
In Pakistan, the powerful earthquake has reportedly killed at least 34 people and injured 80 others in neighbouring Pakistan.
Iran’s media reported that at least 40 people had been killed and the tremor was the second big quake to hit Iran in a week.
Earlier this month, a powerful quake also struck on the Gulf coast near Iran’s nuclear power station. The strong tremor reportedly killed 37 people and injured 850 individuals.
Iran is located near major geological faultlines and has suffered several deadly quakes. In 2003, a 6.6 magnitude quake flattened the city of Bam and killed more than 25,000.
Reports say Tuesday’s quake was felt over a vast area of west and south Asia.
US Sends Deepest Condolences for those lost in the quake
US Secretary of State John Kerry today sent the US deepest condolences for those lost in the earthquake in southeastern Iran and western Pakistan.
“Our thoughts are with the families of those who were killed, those who were injured, and with those communities that have suffered damage to homes and property.” – Secretary Kerry
The US stands ready to offer assistance in this difficult time.
Iran is prone to earthquakes
In August 2012, two powerful earthquakes have struck northwestern Iran on Saturday afternoon, killing at least 250 people dead and more than 2,000 injured.
Reports say 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck the area 60 kilometres northeast of the city of Tabriz and another earthquake followed just eleven minutes later near Varzaghan, located 49 kilometres northeast of the city.
The quakes have reportedly caused damage to more than 100 villages.
In March 2006, series of earthquakes affected some 100,000 people in western Lorestan province, killing 70 and injuring at least 1,300 others. Reports said 50 per cent of the population in and around the city of Boroujerd had been displaced and some 10,000 homes had been partially or completely damaged.
In 2003, some 26,000 people were killed by a 6.6 magnitude quake that flattened the historic southeastern city of Bam as well.
Iran is located on seismic fault lines and is prone to earthquakes.
