6.2 magnitude quake jolts western Iran

TEHRAN, Aug. 18 (MNA) – A strong earthquake measuring 6.2 magnitude on Richter scale struck southern part of Ilam province, west of Iran. The epicenter of the quake was about 36 kilometers southeast of Abdanan with 10km depth. The tremor occurred at 7:02 am local time, 2:32 am GMT. Meanwhile, two aftershocks with 4.7 and 4.5 magnitude on Richter scale hit the region at 7:31 (3:01 GMT) and 7:41 (3:11 GMT). Six rescue teams are deployed to the region to evaluate damages and casualties. There are no reports of exact number of casualties yet. Mehr News correspondent in the nearby region says roads to the quake-stricken area are closed and so far 20 people have been injured and some buildings are damaged. Earlier, less than 12 hours before that, another quake with 5.0 magnitude had stricken same area with its epicenter just 10 kilometers away. Several tremors have shaken the region since Sunday afternoon local time.