Iran Iraq Earthquake Results in the Death of More Than 300

Iranians had a rough night after an earthquake struck near the Iraqi border on Sunday, resulting in the death of more than 300 people

The epicenter of the quake was close to Ezgeleh, Iran, which is about 135 miles northeast of Baghdad. Moreover, it had a magnitude of 7.3, making it one of the most powerful earthquakes to have taken place in the area.

Photographs from the region depict collapsed buildings, destroyed cars and people sleeping in the streets, afraid of a possible aftershock.

After a first counting, at least 341 people were killes while almost 6.000 were injured. At the same time, hundreds of people waited in line to donate blood as a response to a call from the government.

On the Iraqi side of the border, at least 8 people were killed and at least 535 were severely hurt.

The city that was most affected by the earthquake is Sarpol-e Zahab, located in the western Iranian province of Kermanshah. Authorities said that at least 236 people had died in the city. Unfortunately, the main hospital was believed to be at least partly running.

“My friend was screaming, saying, ‘I lost my home,’ ” one resident wrote on Twitter. “Thank God, she and her family are doing well. She said people were only mourning and their loved ones were under the rubble.”

Source: nytimes.com