Iran: Magnitude-5.8 earthquake in West Azerbaijan Province leaves at least 121 people injured Jan. 18 /update 1

Event

A magnitude-5.8 earthquake that occurred in West Azerbaijan Province Jan. 18 reportedly injured at least 121 people and damaged hundreds of buildings. Khowy was among the areas most severely impacted by the earthquake. Local authorities have not reported any deaths in connection with the temblor; nonetheless, the casualty count may rise over the coming hours as authorities continue assessments.

The earthquake occurred about 16 km (10 miles) south of Khowy at around 13:38 IRST. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles), and moderate-to-strong shaking was probably felt in areas near the epicenter, with lighter shaking likely felt in other parts of northwestern Iran, as well as eastern Turkey, northeastern Iraq, and the southern Caucasus. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Aftershocks are likely over the coming days.

Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if no damage is found. Utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.

Advice

Plan accordingly for aftershocks. Consider vacating multistory buildings if operating in affected areas until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Allow additional time for air and road travel, as aftershocks may prompt brief disruptions. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected region due to potential landslides.