135 die in Iraq-Iran earthquake

International Desk:  A strong 7.3-magnitude earthquake has rattled the northern border region between Iran and Iraq, killing at least 135 people.

At least 129 people have died in western Iran's Kermanshah province, officials told state media.

Four more have been 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.

Many of the victims were in the town of Sarpol-e Zahab, about 15km (10 miles) from the border, Iran's emergency services chief, Pir Hossein Koolivand, said, according to Iranian state television channel IRINN.

Damage was reported in at least eight villages, the head of Iran's Red Crescent Organisation, Morteza Salim, told the channel.

"Some other villages have suffered power cuts and their telecommunications system has also been disturbed," he said.

In 2003, a 6.6 magnitude earthquake flattened the historic city of Bam in southeastern Iran, killing some 26,000 people.

Source: Agencies



risingbd/Nov 13, 2017/Mukul