02 May 2018 | 03:45 PM UTC
Iran: 5.3-magnitude earthquake leaves at least 76 injured in Sisakht May 2
5.3-magnitude earthquake leaves at least 76 injured in Sisakht May 2; significant material damages reported
Event
A 5.3-magnitude earthquake struck the city of Sisakht (Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province) shortly after 08:30 (local time) on Wednesday, May 2. According to Iranian state media, at least 76 people were injured by the quake in Sisakht; significant material damages were also reported in the city - including damages to power and communications lines - and in the provincial capital, Yasuj. Consequent traffic disruptions are possible in the affected cities and surrounding areas in the coming hours. Aftershocks are possible in the coming hours and days.
Context
Iran is in a highly active seismic zone and earthquakes are common. Notably, in November 2017 a 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck near the Iran-Iraq border, leaving at least 620 people dead and thousands of others injured.
Advice
Individuals present in the affected region are advised to be prepared for aftershocks and to adhere 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.
