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Major earthquake strikes south-east Iran | Major earthquake strikes south-east Iran |
(35 minutes later) | |
Iran has been struck by its most powerful earthquake for nearly 40 years, with tremors felt across Pakistan, India and the Middle East. | |
The epicentre of the 7.3 magnitude quake was near the south-east city of Khash, close to the Pakistani border, the US Geological Survey said. | |
Offices were evacuated in Abu Dhabi and tall buildings swayed in the Indian capital Delhi, witnesses said. | Offices were evacuated in Abu Dhabi and tall buildings swayed in the Indian capital Delhi, witnesses said. |
Iranian state TV has reported at least 40 people killed. | |
However, one official was quoted by Reuters news agency as saying he feared hundreds had died. | |
The earthquake struck in the province of Sistan Baluchistan at about 15:14 (1044 GMT), close to the cities of Khash, with a population of nearly 180,000, and Saravan, with 250,000. | |
Iran's Fars news agency was reporting that Saravan had suffered no serious damage. | |
All communications to the region have been cut and assessment teams - along with rescue teams from neighbouring provinces - are being sent to the stricken area, correspondents say. | |
The quake has been felt across the region. A BBC correspondent in Abu Dhabi said she had to be evacuated from her offices. | |
Michael Stephens, a researcher at RUSI Qatar, told the BBC from his offices in Doha: "I definitely felt the walls shaking. It lasted for about 25 seconds." He said his friends had been evacuated "as a precautionary measure". | |
Mohammad Wazir, a correspondent for BBC Persian in Pakistan, says the quake was felt in the cities of Karachi and Quetta. | Mohammad Wazir, a correspondent for BBC Persian in Pakistan, says the quake was felt in the cities of Karachi and Quetta. |
It comes days after a 6.3-magnitude quake struck south-west Iran, near its nuclear power station. | It comes days after a 6.3-magnitude quake struck south-west Iran, near its nuclear power station. |
At least 37 people were killed and 850 wounded in the earthquake that struck near Bushehr on 10 April. | At least 37 people were killed and 850 wounded in the earthquake that struck near Bushehr on 10 April. |
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. | Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. |
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