According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a 5.6-magnitude quake has struck 84 km (52 miles) east of Ahvaz in Iran's Khuzestan Province, near the country's border with Iraq.
Kiamars Hajizadeh, the head of the local crisis management center, was cited as saying by the ISNA state news agency that 47 people were hurt in Masjed Soleyman.
At least 20 others were injured in the nearby city of Izeh. One person reportedly died of a heart attack after being scared by the jolt, which was felt in many cities, including Ahvaz.
Magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck 84 km east of Ahvaz, Khuzestan province #iran #naturaldisaster https://t.co/AmtX817jvU pic.twitter.com/dqbNUz5DdT
— Horizon Intelligence (@_hozint) July 8, 2019
The region has faced several powerful quakes in recent years. In 2017 a deadly 7.3-magnitude earthquake hit Iran and Iraq, killing hundreds and injuring thousands more.
