PM Modi expresses his sympathy for the victims of earthquake in Iran-Iraq border region

Halabja, November 13: The new week does not come on a happy note in Iraq and Iran as a 7.3-magnitude earthquake has hit the region of the northern border region between Iran and Iraq. The latest local report says over 300 people have died in western Iran's Kermanshah province. The fear of rising in the death toll is arising. In addition to that, almost 2000 people are injured reportedly.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the loss of lives in the earthquake that has affected parts of Iran and Iraq.“My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones in the tragic earthquake that has affected parts of Iran and Iraq. I pray that those injured recover at the earliest”, the Prime Minister said.

At least eight villages are suffering from the quake with huge damage. "Some other villages have suffered power cuts and their telecommunications system has also been disturbed," Iran's Red Crescent Organisation, Morteza Salim said.

The quake struck south of the Iraqi town of Halabja at a depth of nearly 40 kilometers. Even the tremors were felt in Turkey, Israel, and Kuwait. Out of panic, residents of the quake-hit zone are feeling home. Rescue teams have been deployed instantly to find dozens trapped under rubble in both countries.

“There are still people under the rubble. We hope the number of dead and injured won't rise too much, but it will rise,” a local official said.