Iran Hit by Massive Earthquake
April 16, 2013
Iran was hit by a 7.8-magnitude earthquake this morning, its most powerful quake in nearly 40 years. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the epicenter was near the city of Khash, in southeast Iran close to the Pakistani border. It occurred at a depth of 60 miles (96 kilometers). The earthquake was felt throughout the Middle East. The tremors were strong enough in Karachi, Pakistan, and New Delhi, India, for offices to be evacuated.
An earthquake occurs when Earth's rock suddenly breaks and shifts, releasing energy in vibrations called seismic waves. The point on Earth where the rock first breaks is called the focus. The point on the surface above is known as the epicenter. (World Book illustration)
There are conflicting reports on casualties. The Iranian Crisis Center in Tehran, the capital, claims there were no fatalities. However, an unnamed Iranian government official told Reuters news agency that there are 1,700 villages in the area with most of the buildings made of mud: “We are expecting hundreds of dead.” In Pakistan, local government officials report that the quake left at least five people dead in the town of Mashkel, which is near the border with Iran. In 2003, 30,000 people were killed when a 6.6-magnitude quake destroyed much of the city of Bam, in the same southeastern region of Iran.
Additional World Book articles:
- When the Earth Moves (a special report)
- Iran 2003 (a Back in Time article)
