Iran: Casualties reported in Tazehabad after earthquake hits Aug. 26 /update 1

Event

Local media reported that at least one person has been killed and 58 others injured in the city of Tazehabad after a 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit Kermanshah province on the evening (local time) of Saturday, August 25. According to local reports, two aftershocks above a magnitude of 3.0 on the Richter scale have been recorded as of early morning on Sunday, August 26. Further details regarding damages and casualties will likely be released as recovery operations continue. Additional aftershocks are possible in the coming hours and days. 

Context

The earthquake struck 30 km (19 mi) southwest of the city of Javanrud (Kermanshah province). Iran is located 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 regions 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.