This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-41963373

The article has changed 21 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Strong quake hits Iraq-Iran border region Strong quake hits Iraq-Iran border region
(35 minutes later)
A strong 7.2-magnitude earthquake has rattled the northern border region between Iraq and Iran, with several deaths reported. A strong 7.2-magnitude earthquake has rattled the northern Iraq-Iran border region, with several deaths reported.
The quake struck in the evening local time in Iraq south-west of the town of Halabja at a depth of 33.9km, the US Geological Survey (USGS) says. The quake struck in the evening local time south of the Iraqi town of Halabja at a depth of 33.9 km (21 miles), the US Geological Survey (USGS) said.
It was felt in the Iraqi capital Baghdad and several provinces in Iran.
At least six people were killed in the Iranian town of Qasr-e Shirin, state media said.At least six people were killed in the Iranian town of Qasr-e Shirin, state media said.
The earthquake sparked panic in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, with residents fleeing their house for the streets.
Mosques in Baghdad and elsewhere in Iraq have been saying prayers through loudspeakers.
Iranian news channel IRINN says rescue teams have been despatched to western parts of the country.Iranian news channel IRINN says rescue teams have been despatched to western parts of the country.
"Damage has been reported in at least eight villages," Morteza Salim, the head of Iran's Red Crescent Organisation, told the channel."Damage has been reported in at least eight villages," Morteza Salim, the head of Iran's Red Crescent Organisation, told the channel.
"Some other villages have suffered power cuts and their telecommunication system has also been disturbed.""Some other villages have suffered power cuts and their telecommunication system has also been disturbed."
Kurdish TV also said many people in the autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan region fled their homes when it struck but there were no initial reports of casualties. Kurdish TV also said many people in the autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan region fled their homes when it struck. Local officials cited by Reuters said one person had died and at least 50 people were injured.