Powerful earthquake in Iraq kills at least 207 in Iran

DN Bureau

A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake Sunday in the Iraqi city of Halabja, close to the Iraq-Iran border, killed scores of people in Iran.

Side of the EarthQuake
Side of the EarthQuake


Baghdad: At least 207 people were killed in Iran, citing the deputy governor of Kermanshah province, Mojtaba Nikkerdar. Citing the head of Iran's emergency services, Iran's semi-official news agency Fars News said at least 1,700 people were injured in the quake.

Also Read: 5.8 magnitude earthquake hits east coast of Japan

Four people died in eastern Iraq and dozens were wounded in the town of Darbandikhan, Iraq, Omar Ahmad, the governor of Sulaimaniya said.

The temblor, centered about 350 kilometers (217 miles) north of Baghdad, was felt throughout Iraq, according the US Geological Survey. The quake crushed buildings in Darbandikhan, according to video.

People gather at Sulaymaniyah Hospital in northern Iraq after a major earthquake Sunday.

Also Read: Lashkargah City blast kills one, injures five

Iraq's Meteorological Organization issued a warning on Iraqi State TV urging citizens to stay away from buildings and to refrain from using elevators. Shocks were also felt in Pakistan, Lebanon, Kuwait and Turkey.

Iraq's Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi was closely following the situation of the country's citizens, a statement from his office said. (CNN)










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