Iran: Kerman province earthquake injures at least 51 people Dec. 1 /update 1

Event

A 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck Iran's Kerman province at roughly 06:30 (local time) on Friday, December 1, leaving at least 51 people injured. The epicenter of the earthquake was reported to be near the town of Hojedk, some 58 km (36 mi) northeast of the city of Kerman, a large city of over 820,000 inhabitants. Material damages were also reported in Iran following the earthquake, and several old buildings collapsed in areas near the earthquake's epicenter. Numerous aftershocks were recorded on Friday between magnitudes 2.3 and 5.5 on the Richter scale, according to Iranian media. Transportation disruptions are expected in the affected areas, and additional aftershocks are possible in Kerman province in the coming hours.

Context

Iran is located in a highly active seismic zone and earthquakes are common.

Friday's earthquake follows a 7.3-magnitude earthquake which struck the Iran-Iraq border on November 12, leaving at least 540 people dead in the region and over 8000 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.