Death toll in Iran quake passes 500

A strong earthquake rocked north-western Iran today, killing at least 500 people and injuring about 1,600, Iran’s state-run media reported.

Most of the deaths occurred in the town of Bou’in-Zahra in Qazvin province, the epicentre of the 6.0 magnitude quake, 225 kilometres (140 miles) west of Tehran, Majid Shalviri, the head of the provincial Red Crescent Society, was quoted as saying by the official news agency Irna.

State-run radio reported 500 people were killed and 1,600 injured.

The 7.30am (4am Irish time) quake was also felt in the capital Tehran.

‘‘In the village of Kisse-Jin only, 80 people have been killed,’’ Shalviri, of the Red Crescent Society, said.

Mohammad Hossein Parvinian, deputy governor of Qazvin province, told the Islamic Republic News Agency that 10 villages were damaged ‘‘between 50% and 90% and rescue teams have been sent to the region.’’

The villages are near the towns of Bou’in-Zahra and Avaj in Qazvin province, he said. Bou’in-Zahra is 60 kms (37 miles) south west of Qazvin, the provincial capital.

In 1963, a deadly earthquake hit the same area, killing 12,225 people and demolishing 124 villages in one of Iran’s most devastating natural disasters.

Iran lies on a major seismic line and is prone to quakes. Moderate tremors are reported in various parts of Iran almost daily.

Earlier, Irna quoted Tehran University seismologists reporting a 5.2 magnitude. The US Geological Survey reported on its web site the quake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.3.

President Mohammad Khatami issued a message of condolences to the Iranian nation, the TV said.