31 Aug 2017 | 08:45 AM UTC
Iran: 5.2-magnitude earthquake hits south August 31
An earthquake of magnitude 5.2 reported in Hormozgan province (south) August 31; damage and casualties remain unknown
Event
An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.2 on the Richter scale hit Hormozgan province (south), with the epicenter located 84 km (52 mi) north of Minab, on Thursday morning, August 31. The full extent of the damage (if any) remains unknown. Aftershocks are possible.
This comes days after a 4.9-magnitude earthquake injured ten people in the north on Monday, August 28, some 600 km (375 mi) northwest of the capital Tehran.
Context
Iran is located in a highly active seismic zone. In May, a 5.7-magnitude quake hit the rural town of Pishgaleh, in the northeast, leaving three people dead and some 200 injured.
Advice
Individuals present in the impacted region are advised to monitor the situation, to be prepared for aftershocks, and to heed to any instructions issued by local authorities.
In the event of aftershocks, individuals are advised to protect themselves as much as possible from falling debris if indoors (e.g. under a table), to move away from windows, and to not attempt to leave the building unless there is an immediate danger or on the ground flood. If outdoors, move away from tall buildings, utility wires, and streetlights.
