Earthquake in Northeastern Iran Claims Four Lives and Injures Over 100

A 5.0 magnitude earthquake struck Kashmar in Iran's Razavi Khorasan province around noon on Tuesday, resulting in the tragic loss of four lives and injuring 120 others. Of the injured, 35 have been hospitalized, according to the local governor.

Hojjatollah Shariatmadari, Governor of Kashmar, reported the casualties, stating, "In Tuesday's earthquake in the city, 120 people have also been injured, with 35 of them hospitalized."

The US Geological Survey noted that the earthquake's epicenter was located approximately five kilometers from Moghan in Razavi Khorasan Province, at a depth of six kilometers. Local Iranian media confirmed the magnitude at 5.0.

Here is what you need to know

Iran, situated on several major fault lines, frequently experiences seismic activity. The country averages about 10,000 earthquakes annually, according to the United Nations. This latest quake adds to a history of significant seismic events in the region.

In November, a devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck near the Iraqi border, resulting in over 530 deaths and thousands of injuries. Another catastrophic event occurred in 2003 when a 6.6-magnitude earthquake hit the historic city of Bam, killing tens of thousands.

More recently, a 5.9 magnitude earthquake hit Khoy in West Azerbaijan province last year, killing at least three people and injuring over 800. At that time, the Mehr news agency reported damage to 70 villages.

The people of Iran continue to endure the impact of these natural disasters, with the latest incident in Kashmar highlighting the ongoing risk faced by those living in seismically active regions. Authorities are working to provide aid and support to those affected by Tuesday's earthquake.