More than 600 people have been injured in the 6.4 magnitude earthquake in Sarpol-e Zahab, Kermanshah province; however, no reports of fatalities or extensive damage to residential structures have been published yet. The Iranian state news agency, IRNA, quoted Mehrdad Salari, the Deputy Coordinator of Urban Affairs in Kermanshah, stating that 'no fatalities or complete destruction of residential units have been reported in the earthquake on Sunday night in Sarpol-e Zahab.' According to reports from the Mehr news agency citing the national emergency services, the number of injured had reached at least 634 by the early hours of December 5. Some of the injured have been treated on an outpatient basis and released. Mehrdad Salari mentioned that drinking water in the counties of Qasr-e Shirin, Sarpol-e Zahab, Gilan-e Gharb, and Dalahu has been contaminated. Similar problems have been reported from dozens of villages around the earthquake's epicenter. The Gilan-e Gharb governorate stated that there are a total of three wells in the county 'from which we need to supply the city's drinking water, as the water from the spring becomes turbid with the slightest tremor and is not drinkable.' The national emergency services have announced that six rescue teams have been sent to the earthquake-affected areas. Reports indicate that among the damaged residential structures, there are also earthquake-affected houses that were still incomplete. Meanwhile, some government officials have expressed concern about the condition of the roads, although a senior official from the Kermanshah governorate stated that 'all access roads to the earthquake-affected areas are open.' Despite this, Hedayat Hatami, the Deputy Coordinator of Economic Affairs and Resource Development of Kermanshah, told the Mehr news agency that all schools and universities in Kermanshah province would be closed on December 5. The National Seismological Center estimated the magnitude of the earthquake on Sunday afternoon at 6.4, with its epicenter located 17 kilometers from Sarpol-e Zahab and a depth of seven kilometers. In addition to the main earthquake, several relatively large and medium aftershocks occurred afterward, including a 5.2 magnitude aftershock recorded 10 minutes after the main quake. The earthquake was so strong that it was felt not only in various regions of western Iran but also by citizens in Iraq and even Israel. A severe earthquake also occurred in Kermanshah province on November 21 of last year, which, according to available statistics, resulted in at least 620 deaths and over 8,000 injuries.
Earthquake in Sarpol-e Zahab; Over 600 Injured, Educational Centers Closed
A 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck Sarpol-e Zahab, injuring over 600 people but reportedly causing no fatalities or extensive structural damage. The earthquake has led to concerns about contaminated drinking water and the closure of educational institutions in Kermanshah province. This incident highlights the ongoing vulnerability of the region to seismic activity.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
A 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck Sarpol-e Zahab, injuring over 600 people but reportedly causing no fatalities or extensive structural damage. The earthquake has raised concerns about contaminated drinking water and led to the closure of educational institutions in Kermanshah province.
- Over 600 people injured with no reported fatalities.
- Contaminated drinking water and school closures in Kermanshah province.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran is located on several tectonic plates, making it highly susceptible to earthquakes. The region has a history of significant seismic events, which pose risks to its population and infrastructure.
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