At least 211 people have been killed in a 7.2 magnitude earthquake that occurred on late Sunday on the border between Iran and Iraq, Iran’s Press TV reported on Monday, quoting medics from the Kermanshah province which is currently seeing the highest number of victims.
First responders recovered 207 bodies from the debris. Four more people were killed on Iraq’s territory.
Search and rescue operations continue, with the death toll expected to rise. According to Press TV, hundreds of buildings were demolished or damaged, and many houses have cracks. Dozens of cars parked near damaged buildings were buried under pieces of bricks and concrete.
According to the established emergency response center, the western Iranian provinces of Kermanshah and Ilam bore the brunt, with most victims and damages reported there. The main and succeeding earthquake shocks were also reported in Turkey, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain.
Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani ordered to provide all necessary help to the injured. Red Crescent’s local branch started search and rescue operations in the area of the accident, and additional rescue units were dispatched there. Mobile hospitals were set up in the damaged areas to supply necessary products, warm clothes and fuel to people.