Earthquake in Tehran; Executive and Educational Centers Closed

In the earthquake that struck Tehran at midnight on Wednesday, the National Disaster Management Organization announced the closure of executive centers, schools, universities, and educational institutions on Thursday, December 30. At least one person has died 'due to fear.' The National Disaster Management Organization has stated that all schools and educational centers, as well as executive offices and institutions in Tehran, Alborz, and Qom provinces, will be closed on Thursday. Relief organizations and banks will continue their activities. According to reports from Iran, at least one person in Tehran and Alborz provinces has died due to fear or a heart attack. The deceased was a pregnant woman. At least 97 citizens have been injured, with most injuries occurring not directly from potential damages but during the escape. The head of the Iranian Red Crescent's rescue and relief department reported 50 injuries in Alborz, 34 in Tehran, 12 in Saveh, and one in Qazvin. Current reports indicate that the earthquake that struck at midnight on Wednesday did not cause significant damage. The earthquake, centered around Malard—between Alborz and Tehran provinces in the west of the capital—occurred at 11:27 PM with a magnitude of 5.2 and a depth of seven kilometers. The United States Geological Survey estimated the earthquake's magnitude at 4.9, its depth at 10 kilometers, and its center at 2 kilometers from Malard. Tremors from this earthquake were also felt in Qom, Arak, Qazvin, and Gilan. Reports from Tehran and cities like Karaj, Shahriar, and other areas where tremors were stronger indicate that many citizens spent hours outside their homes after the event. Images released by Iranian media and social networks show that some citizens slept in their cars, some set up tents or lit fires in parks and open spaces, while others went to open sports areas or stayed in the streets around their residences. The Iranian Minister of Energy told the state news agency that the condition of the Amir Kabir Dam is 'normal' and the water and sewage conditions are 'completely normal.' As many citizens have gone to fuel stations for supplies, the National Iranian Oil Products Distribution Company has responded, stating that 'the stations are active and filled with fuel.' The Tehran Urban Railway also announced that no damage has occurred to its facilities and equipment. However, reports indicate heavy traffic on roads leading to northern Iran. Colonel Siavash Mohibi, head of the East Tehran Highway Police, stated early Thursday morning that 'we are witnessing people leaving the capital towards northern cities.' According to Colonel Mohibi, the Haraz and Firuzkuh routes are experiencing heavy traffic. Meanwhile, the odd-even traffic plan, which was in effect due to severe air pollution, has been temporarily suspended. Official reports from Iran indicate that the air pollution index in Tehran reached its highest level this year on Wednesday and early Thursday. Tehran's crisis management has held an emergency meeting and stated that several other provinces in Iran are 'on alert.' After the 5.2 magnitude earthquake, several aftershocks occurred, the largest of which was 2.1 magnitude by 4:39 AM.