Powerful Earthquakes Strike Northwestern Iran

Powerful earthquakes strike Iran

Two strong earthquakes struck northwest Iran today and at least 50 people were taken to hospitals, but there were no reports of any deaths, Iranian media said.

The U.S. Geological Survey measured the first quake at 6.4 magnitude and said it struck 60 km (37 miles) northeast of the city of Tabriz at a depth of 9.9. km (6.2 miles) at 12.34 (GMT).

It said a second earthquake measuring 6.3 struck 49 km (30 miles) northeast of Tabriz 11 minutes later at a similar depth. Three lesser aftershocks have followed since then.

The second quake struck near the town of Varzgan, Fars news agency said. “The quake was so intense that people poured into the streets through fear,” it said.

Fifty people in the town had been taken to hospital, Fars said. (MZ)