A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck western Iran near its border with Iraq last night, injuring more than 400 people and sending fearful residents running into the streets, authorities said.
The Sunday temblor hit near Sarpol-e Zahab in Iran's Kermanshah province, which was the epicentre of an earthquake last year that killed more than 600 people and where some still remain homeless.
Kermanshah provincial Gov. Houshang Bazvand told Iranian state television that 411 people were hurt, though he said most injuries were minor and only 15 people were hospitalised. He said those injured were from rural areas and the situation was under control.
Authorities said dozens of rescue teams were immediately deployed after the quake stopped and the country's army and its paramilitary Revolutionary Guard were responding.