Massive quake hits Iran, felt across UAE

Abu Dhabi, April 17, 2013 (WAM) - National Seismic Network of the National Centre of Meteorology '&' Seismology (NCMS) recorded yesterday at 2:44 PM (local time) an earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale. The NCSM said in a statement yesterday that the powerful quake struck the Pakistani-Iranian borders, 650 kilometres north east of Ras Al Khaimah. ''The tremor, which was felt across emirates of the State, has limited impact. The NCSM is still monitoring the seismic activity,'' the statement added. Dubai Municipality Seismological Network also monitored the massive quake in east of Dubai. The epicentre of the quake at south-eastern city of Saravan in Sistan and Baluchistan province, is 675 kilometres away from Dubai, 800 km from Abu Dhabi and 590 km from Ras Al Khaimah. The tremor was felt by residents in Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. No casualties were reported in the Gulf countries as its will only affect south Iran. ''We are monitoring the aftershocks which didn't inflict casualties in UAE cities,'' Eng. Mohammed Mushroum, director of Dubai Municipality survey department affirmed. He assured Dubai residents that such seismological activity would not harm them. In the capital, Abu Dhabi Police operations room assured the public that no casualties or injuries were reported. The room said that it had received many calls from members of the public about the tremor but no human loss or damage in properties were reported. Meanwhile, the National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority (NCEMA) affirmed that the 7.8 magnitude and 30 kilometre depth quake has caused no damage or casualties in the UAE. Dr. Jamal Mohammed Al Hosani, NCEMA spokesperson, told the media yesterday that all government entities and competent agencies were on a 24 hour alert and were closely monitoring the unfolding developments. These agencies, he emphasised, have all precautionary measures including federal and local emergency management plans to respond to such situations. He appealed to the public to obey instructions of official agencies and cooperate with them to ensure safety of all and not to lend their ears to rumours. – Emirates News Agency, WAM