22/02/2005

Hundreds reported dead in Iran earthquake

An earthquake in Iran is reported to have killed at least 400 people and left hundreds more injured.

The earthquake occurred around 35 miles from Zarand in the country's Kerman province, around 460 miles from the Iranian capital, Tehran just before 6am local time this morning (2:30am GMT). It measured 6.4 on the Richter scale.

It has been reported that around 40 villages have been affected by the quake, which lasted eleven seconds. Three villages have been virtually destroyed, reports say, while around a third of the buildings have been badly damaged or destroyed in around 30 other villages. In one village, many people are feared trapped in the ruins of a mosque, which reportedly collapsed during the quake.

Heavy rain is reportedly now hampering rescue efforts. Reports indicate that around 1,000 people have been injured, although the total number of casualties is expected to rise.

In December 2003, over 26,000 people were killed in Iran by a large earthquake, which destroyed the historic city of Bam.

On average, Iran experiences at least one slight earthquake per day.

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said that the earthquake was a "terrible disaster" to hit Iran. He said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the peopIe in the area affected. Our sympathies go to the relatives of those who have tragically perished in this disaster. We will do all we can to help the Iranian government".

(KMcA/SP)

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