USGS image shows epicenter of the earthquake in Iran. IMAGE: USGS
A major 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Iran near the border with Pakistan and tremors were felt in India and Gulf states.
"At least 34 people have been killed and 80 others wounded in Mashkail," a local government official told AFP.
"The bodies are at the hospital and injured are being treated by army doctors. Paramilitary forces are busy in rescue work."
The US Geological Survey said the quake hit at 10:44 GMT at a depth of 15.2 km. The epicentre was in southeast Iran in an area of mountains and desert.
It was located 201 km southeast of the Iranian city of Zahedan and 250 km northwest of Turbat in Pakistan, USGS said.
Several people were injured in the Panjgur and Mashkeel areas of Balochistan, while around 50 people sustained injuries in Karachi in incidents of roof collapse.
Over 1,000 houses were partially damaged in Balochistan.
An Iranian government official said he expected hundreds of deaths from the earthquake.
"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.
The Iranian city of Saravan, which lies near the centre of a 7.8 magnitude earthquake which hit the country on Tuesday, has not seen serious damage, the Fars news agency said.
Tremors were felt in Karachi, Hyderabad, Lahore, Larkana, Jacobabad, Quetta and other cities which created panic amongst people. However, no casualties were reported PPI reported.
Office workers stand outside of their buildings following an earthquake tremor in Karachi April 16, 2013. PHOTO: REUTERS
Express News reported that the earthquake was felt in Rahim Yar Khan, Serai Desert, Faisalabad, and Shahdadkot.
In areas near Multan and DI Khan the tremors were felt for around ten seconds, but people were scared and evacuated immediately.
Buildings in Karachi were immediately evacuated after the tremors were felt.
Express employees exit the Karachi office after the earthquake. PHOTO: JAHANZAIB HAQUE
“My desk started shaking and we ran out of the building. Since then we are standing outside our office,” a Karachi-ite shared his experience.
People anticipating aftershocks in all the main areas of Karachi refused to go inside the buildings.
Shahra-e-Faisal, an area with numerous offices, was crowded with people who evacuated their offices and were hesitant to go back inside the buildings.
People evacuating from buildings in Karachi. PHOTO: SARA MUZZAMIL
"Two of my colleagues fainted during the tremor but we were successful in evacuating through our emergency exit," a citizen expressed his experience.
After the sudden halt in flights, airport authorities announced that they would take-off as per schedule.
In Balochistan, the earthquake was felt in Gadani, Harnai, Chaman and Gwadar.
According to Met Office sources, the intensity of the earthquake was 5.4 magnitudes in Balochistan, however, some other geological sources said that the intensity was recorded at 6.4 magnitude.
People running after the earthquake tremors. PHOTO: Maazj94
Strong tremors shook tall buildings in India's capital New Delhi on Tuesday.
A 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck Papua New Guinea on Tuesday, the US Geological Survey said.
The quake hit 125 kilometres (77 miles) southwest of the town of Panguna on Bougainville Island at 8:00 pm local time (10:00 GMT), at a depth of 10 kilometres.
US offers assistance
Following the earthquake, the United States offered to provide humanitarian assistance to the victims in Balochistan.
"We have seen the reports of the earthquake near Khash on the Iran-Pakistan border, and we're monitoring the situation. We offer our condolences to the families who lost loved ones during the earthquake," a State Department spokesperson Patrick Ventrell.
"The United States does stand ready to assist either Iran or Pakistan at this point."
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Its a shame when I read these posts.. all recitations of dua, theories on punishment for sin, acts of God, the universe and it big bang theory, people preaching holier than thou... and yet, NOT ONE comment on what precautionery measures one must take during an earthquake. (which would positively contribute to saving humanity) Double Standard lot you all are!!!!. Anyways, moving on, I personally suggest a few things to do in such times:
If nowhere to run, take cover under a sturdy desk - make sure its not glass. It will protect you from falling debri from the ceiling. Identify exit points and try to make your exit at the first possible chance If you are on the top floor DO NOT under any circumstances use the lift to get down - in fact, instruct the operators to lock down the lifts at ground level Stay calm and try and calm others down When running make sure to grab on to your wallet/ handbag, cell phone and charger - Ladies, please leave your make-up kit alone. Guys, you can always get a new laptop and cigarette cartons Stay clear of tall buildings, electrical wires and gas connections - also be vigilant for thieves who take best advantage in times like these.Cheers everyone.
OMG.. I do hope everyone is okay.. Have to do a fact file on this for geography. Hard to think that an earthquake happened and people have died. Hopefully they find no-one else dead.
@Enlightened: ‘It will commence with a severe earthquake between 10 Feb 2013 to 22 Apr 2013 and another along with volcanic eruption and flooding between 25 May 2013′. Let me bet a Million Dollars with you that there will be no volcanic eruption on the dates of prediction. It may come in any time Allah wills it to come and no scientist can ever predict it, only Allah knows. Even top US scientists have not been able to accurately predict the exact day the Yellowstone Supervolcano will erupt in USA. Only Allah knows when, probably when sin would have crossed all limits the supervolcanos will erupt. Allah knows best.
it was so horrible
Didn't hear a lot about this here because the Boston bombings have dominated the headlines. Tragedy. I can only hope people are getting the proper care that's needed and rebuilding begins quickly. Thoughts are with those who lost loved ones.
@sheeda: A) How do you know they're liberal B) Not all liberals FORGET to mention Allah; they simply don't rub it in everyone else's face 24/7 C) How about a few words of concern for the people who died or were wounded instead of liberal bashing?
@hamza khan: It is the Convectional currents in molten magma of the mantle that causes the lithospheric plates (which rest on that magma) to move. Convectional Currents in turn are produced due to temperature differences within magma (just like the ones we notice in boiling water). Temp differences in turn are caused due to non uniformity in pressure and material in magma both laterally & vertically. As the plates (resting on moving magma) suddenly move (due to building of lateral or vertical pressure over time caused by magma motion), they collide with or slip over each other creating ripples on surface which we term as Earthquake.
There are sufficient evidences to prove it works this way - Most quakes occur near plate boundaries, At many divergent plate boundaries lava erupts out on the surface while on convergent plate boundaries mountains are created & earthquakes occur frequently, wave motion produced during quakes is also in line with proposed model.
Space is limited, so I'll cut down the explanation here. I hope it has been helpful.
@ Abdul Khaliq: How a merciful God would like to kill POOR INNOCENTS through earth quake?
Why God ( if there is one) would like to kill poor innocents through the earth quake? Believers should be having clues?
i was reading the strips that Army has moved to Mashkhel in Balochistan, despite hostile situation. Our brave Army is there again, and when they are there, we are sure that relief efforts will be spot on
@ali:
It's nothing but pseudo-science, without any evidence or backing of credible geologists and seismologists.
@hamza khan:
"so what causes the plates to move? or that is a natural phenomenon as well? all things have a reason behind them."
http://www.quora.com/Why-do-tectonic-plates-move http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmC-vjQGSNM
The video explains it quite nicely and in an easily understandable manner.
Allah made us realize His power & strength, it's all because of our bad deeds & sins. Kindly, do "Toba" and request for His forgiveness..... and remember we are nothing so we should remain down to earth.
A top Indian scientist Vasudev Moolrajan had predicted this earthquake. Though others based on Mayan calendar were predicting end of the world in 2012 but this Indian scientist predicted that mass destruction on earth would take place in 2013 but not end of the world. His research is based beyond Newton Laws of Gravitation and his first prediction of four calamities taking place between 20 May 2010 to 10 Jun 2010 came true. According to his research strong solar storm will come in 2013 due to terrific solar flares and weak gravitational conditions. 'It will commence with a severe earthquake between 10 Feb 2013 to 22 Apr 2013 and another along with volcanic eruption and flooding between 25 May 2013'.
@Mj:
so what causes the plates to move? or that is a natural phenomenon as well? all things have a reason behind them.
My heart goes out to those victims and their love ones, my condolences to the survivors, may God rest their souls those who has been killed in the earth quack.
My Bad Folks, its all the sins i have been up to and absolutely nothing to do with living on the crust of a planet with enormous pressure from a molten core.. I do apologize, specially to all the infants who died today...
@I am a Khan:
We humans used to think that plagues, eclipses, diseases, and volcano eruptions were some kind of punishment from creator. But progress and advances in our knowledge and thought let us know that there exists cause-and-effect relationship between natural phenomena. We know now that there is a perfectly rational explanation for as to why certain things happen. You are free to have faith, but surely you should ask yourself as to why innocent children, men, and women have to die for the sins of few? Furthermore, earthquakes disproportionately affect poor people as they cannot afford the cost of making their homes earthquake-proof. Is it just? And the concept of monotheism is certainly not exclusive to, or introduced by, Islam.
people recite astaghfaar pls
Mother earth is boiling . She cant take it. Too much population, too much industrialisation ( or whatever) , too much global warming, She is angry and is throwing up.
Wish you all a safe night but be cautious of aftershocks. Tectonic plates will take some time to fully settle down to new equilibirium (this one seems to be a continuation of what recently struck at Bushehr).
Anyway Peace from your Eastern Neighbor.
@Mj: How Earthquakes happen are explained by Science. But nowhere does science say that humans can control earthquakes or their pattern. Earthquakes are a sign that this universe is beyond the control of humans. Sunrise and sunset are also such examples that this universe's mode of operation is outside human control. Humans not able to live indefinitely is also a sign that humans cannot control the days or life on this earth. Thats where religion comes in and tells us that all these signs point out to the Master, owner, creater of this universe and all that is in it. Religion also tells us the reasons why some of the uncontollable events occur like earthquakes could be divine punishment, divine warning or a divine test to see which humans are patient and thankful to God in times of distress. Islam is the only religion that tells humans to worship only God without any intermediaries or associates.
@Khalid: "Yes it is natural, scientifically explainable phenomena, but only after it occurs. You can’t predict an earth quake do you?"
We were unable to predict hurricanes and flooding too, but with the progress of scientific knowledge scientists now can, to a degree. Who is to say that we won't be able to similarly predict earthquakes?
@Nadeem: "How stupid"
At least give a valid reason.. .
@Mj: How stupid
US was testing HAARP technology....
Have you ever been instructed on emergency evacuation at the place you work/study?
ET even you dont have emergency exit in your offices. Plz dont conduct such surveys if you dont follow them.
@Anjum Much appreciation for pointing out that the modern theories of Geophysics are incorrect. You are correct I am being punished for turning my back to Islam. I promise I will true and observant Muslim.
@MJ: Yes it is natural, scientifically explainable phenomena, but only after it occurs.
You can't predict an earth quake do you?
And it can be a divine punishment so recite dua, MAY ALLAH BLESS YOU & give u a healthy brain :)
Du’aa’ to be recited at the time of an Earthquake
Earthquakes are one of the great signs of Allaah in this universe, with which He tests His slaves as a reminder or to instil fear of Him or as a punishment. Man must remember, when the signs occur, his weakness, incapability, humble status before Allaah and his need of Him, so he turns to Allaah, may He be exalted and glorified, in supplication, beseeching and humility, in the hope that Allaah will lift this great distress from the people. Allaah says (interpretation of meaning):
“Verily, We sent (Messengers) to many nations before you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم). And We seized them with extreme poverty (or loss in wealth) and loss in health (with calamities) so that they might humble themselves (believe with humility). 43. When Our Torment reached them, why then did they not humble themselves (believe with humility)? But their hearts became hardened, and Shaytaan (Satan) made fair‑seeming to them that which they used to do. 44. So, when they forgot (the warning) with which they had been reminded, We opened for them the gates of every (pleasant) thing, until in the midst of their enjoyment in that which they were given, all of a sudden, We took them (in punishment), and lo! They were plunged into destruction with deep regrets and sorrows” [al-An’aam 6:42-44]
may god give strength to all...irrespective of the faith they follow..
Information on how and why earthquakes occur:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plate_tectonics
It is a natural, scientifically explainable phenomena, and certainly not a 'divine punishment' as people are calling it on TV.
Iran tested nuclear weapon
Earth quakes confirm the Big Bang theory. Earth is still very hot in the core
@ET
USGS has now revised the depth to 82km.
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/usb000g7x7#technical
Tthe epicenter was at a depth of 82km (51 miles) according to USGC and 76 km according to http://www.pmdnmcc.net/seismic/latestearthquakes.asp
We felt the tremors in our office near hub river road. Thankfully everyone was safe.
@Yousuf: its a shame... even on such occasions you are off the mark.... and still claim to be a civilized person...shame.
For the time being, people started remembering Al-Mighty Allah, but they don't know that the earthquake can be repeated by the Creator at any place and at any time.
This is a lesson for those people who think themselves that they are every thing on the earth and other people are nothing before them.
Hopefully there are very few causalities because the epicenter lies in a comparatively uninhabited area. Although Iranian media is reporting 40 dead. Building codes need to revised in the whole area, looking at the frequency and strength of these temblors.
desks started shaking and peoples ran out from the building. its an amazing exprience, ALLAH save all the peopls.
For all those who experienced tremors in Gulf/Middle east and Indian Subcontinent.
Kindly offer Salatul Ayaat in the following manner. Recite two Rak'ats with five Ruku in each. method is as follows: After making niyyat of offering the prayers, one should say takbir (Allahu Akbar) and recite Surah al-Hamd and the other Surah, and then perform the Ruku. Thereafter, he should stand and recite Surah al-Hamd and a Surah and then perform another Ruku. He should repeat this action five times, and, when he stands after the fifth Ruku, he should perform two Sajdah, and then stand up to perform the second Rak'at in the same manner as he has done in the first. Then he should recite tashahhud and Salam.
works of nature why every liberal on this forum suddenly remembers Allah ?
Hope for less damaging aftershocks. which normally comes afterwards.
Please don't make fun of these earthquakes, hundreds feared dead in Iran as quake hits India, Pakistan, Iran and Gulf states. :( :(
Please move to a safe location if these earthquakes are near to your place.
Life of an IT guy, still in the office
It might come again at 5pm.
ET kindly mention which parts are affected actually. I contacted my family in Gujrat, Gujranwala and in Jhelum and according to them no Tremors are felt there at all.
we also felt the shockwaves. ALLAH HU AKBAR
This happened because Musharraf was banned from contesting elections.
On a serious note, happy there was no damage and no (up till now) reports of casualties, however the people in the slums have probably been badly affected, with their shacks collapsing.
Correct yourself ET, its nit M8.0 rather its M7.8! http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/usb000g7x7#summary USGS is the most authentic source!
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/usb000g7x7#summary
Information on USGS website. It's a 7.8 at a depth 15.2km, which is very shallow with much potential for destruction. Did not know that much of Pakistan lies on a fault-line.
May the All Mighty have mercy...I pray to the All Mighty that there is no loss of life.
Nice reporting. FYI, the earthquake was a 7.8 according to your source. You can't round up earthquake magnitudes as the Richter scale is a logarithmic scale of measurement. 7.8 =/= 8.0.
Allah Help Us. This Earth Quick was swear.
Express employees evacuated the building. good. But where they are standing??? Below a building under construction.........!!! Crazy!!
May Allah have mercy on us.
Anjum Kiani lives in UK, how blatantly he is making all this up. I live in Pakistan, nothing such happening, it came and it went and people went to their own business.
As if Earthquakes were left behind in an already trembling city of Karachi. Everyone! stay safe.
May Allah SWT forgive our sins and have mercy on us all.
Karachi also jolted. It was frightening.
Even in Sharjah, Dubai, Ajman as well
Musharraf went Super Saiyin...
Allah Bless All !
7.6 magnitude with 100km depth, iran-pakistan border region
Source: http://www.world-earthquakes.com/
It almost here....
Oh God!! It was so shocking !!
ya ALLAH rehem.people recite astaghfaar pls.