Iran: 4.2-magnitude earthquake near Tehran Dec. 27 /update 2

Event

At least 56 people were slightly hurt during a 4.2-magnitude earthquake that hit 50 km (30 mi) west of the capital Tehran on Wednesday, December 27. Most of the injured were hurt while trying to evacuate buildings.

Context

This quake is an aftershock of the 5.2-magnitude earthquake that occurred on December 20 and killed two people. It was felt in Tehran, where many residents spent the night in their cars in fear of collapsing buildings.

Iran is one of the world’s most quake-prone countries. In 2003, a 6.6-magnitude earthquake killed 31,000 people and flattened an entire city in Kerman province.

Advice

Individuals present in the impacted region are advised to monitor the situation, to be prepared for further 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. If outdoors, move away from tall buildings, utility wires, and streetlights.