Tehran, 20 July (H.S.): Strong earthquake tremors were felt across western Iran on Sunday morning, causing panic among residents from high-rise buildings to residential areas. The earthquake measured 5.5 on the Richter scale, prompting frightened people to rush towards open spaces for safety.

The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) shared details of the earthquake through its X handle. According to EMSC scientists, the earthquake occurred at a depth of around 10 kilometres. The epicentre was located approximately 54 kilometres west of the major city of Kahriz, which has a population of around 766,000, and about 33 kilometres south of Javanrud city, which has a population of nearly 38,000.

Local authorities have dispatched teams to the affected areas to assess the extent of possible damage.

Iran has witnessed continuous seismic activity over the past few days. On Sunday, another earthquake measuring 5.0 magnitude struck the Saland region of Khuzestan province in southwestern Iran.

According to a report by the Institute of Geophysics at the University of Tehran, more than 80 minor and major earthquakes have been recorded across Iran within just one week.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar