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Dozens Hurt as 5.7 Magnitude Quake Shakes Iran

Agence France-Presse

   TEHRAN - A 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck southwest Iran near the
   border with Iraq on Monday, causing one death due to a heart attack and
   dozens of injuries, the country's relief and rescue organisation said.

   The quake, whose epicenter was in the Masjed Soleiman area of Khuzestan
   province, hit at 11:30 am (0700 GMT) at a depth of 17 kilometers, the
   national seismological center reported.

   The region was rattled by seven aftershocks, the strongest of which
   measured 4.7 magnitude, it said.

   At least 45 people were injured, the head of Iran's relief and rescue
   organization, Morteza Salimi, told state TV.

   "One citizen at Masjed Soleiman also passed away due to a heart-attack
   after the earthquake," Salimi said.

   In nearby cities and villages affected by the quake, there were "only
   minor cracks in buildings" and roads to some villages were cut off.

   Iran sits on top of major tectonic plates and sees frequent seismic
   activity.

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