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Iraq-Iran earthquake: Deadly tremor hits border region | Iraq-Iran earthquake: Deadly tremor hits border region |
(about 1 hour later) | |
A strong 7.3-magnitude earthquake has rattled the northern border region between Iran and Iraq, killing scores. | |
At least 61 people died in western Iran, state media said, with four more reported dead in Iraq. The death toll is likely to rise. | |
The earthquake sparked panic, with residents fleeing their homes for the streets. | |
Mosques in the Iraqi capital Baghdad have been saying prayers through loudspeakers. | |
Iranian news channel IRINN said 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 telecommunications system has also been disturbed." | "Some other villages have suffered power cuts and their telecommunications system has also been disturbed." |
The earthquake was felt in Turkey and Israel too. | |
It 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. |