7.8 magnitude earthquake strikes Iran-Pakistan border: largest quake in 50 years; hundreds feared dead

April 16, 2013 – IRAN – A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake, which struck along the Iran-Pakistan border, was felt in several countries in Asia Tuesday, rocking buildings in the Indian capital of New Delhi and striking with powerful force in Iran, reports said. The earthquake measured 7.8 on the Richter scale on Iran’s border with Pakistan, and appeared to be centered in the Khash, Iran, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The earthquake was felt as far away as the Persian Gulf states, according to the Reuters. The depth of the earthquakes was 82 km (51 miles) below the earth’s surface. In New Delhi, which is periodically shaken by temblors, the distant quake could be felt through the city, as buildings shook for more than 10 seconds and, in some areas, frightened people ran into the streets. No injuries were initially reported, nor were there any early reports of property damage in the Indian capital; however, that could potentially change, as the regions are surveyed for damage. Seismic events appear to be on the rise in Iran. On April 9, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake killed 37 people in southeastern Iran. Most of Iran’s nuclear-related facilities are located in central Iran or its west, including the Bushehr nuclear power plant on the Gulf coast. A U.S. Institute for Science and International Security map did not show any nuclear-linked facilities insoutheastern Iran close to Pakistan border. –TEP

Strong deadly quake: An Iranian government official said on Tuesday he expected hundreds of deaths from a major earthquake that struck Iran near the border with Pakistan. “It was the biggest earthquake in Iran in 40 years and we are expecting hundreds of dead,” said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. According to officials in Iran, 87 deaths have been reported so far; however, that number is expected to rise.  –Reuters, Emirates 14/7