Strong earthquake hits Iran's southeastern provinceJanuary 22, 2013 - 09:42 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - An earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale has struck Iran's southeastern province of Kerman, but there have been no immediate reports of casualties or damage, Press TV reported. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said that the tremor hit at 23:19:02 local time (19:49:02 GMT) on Monday, Jan 21. The epicenter of the quake was located 38 kilometers northeast of the city of Kerman. The director of the Kerman office of the Red Crescent Society told IRNA that rescue teams have been dispatched to the city of Sirch. Iran is located on seismic fault lines and is prone to earthquakes. It experiences at least one slight earthquake every day on average. The deadliest earthquake to hit Iran in recent years happened on December 26, 2003, when a 6.6 magnitude quake struck Bam city and the surrounding areas in Kerman province. The destructive earthquake left 26,271 people dead and 30,000 injured. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |