Earthquake Of Magnitude 5.5 Hits Southern Iran; Nuclear Test Rumors Swirl

Tehran: An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.5 struck southern Iran on Thursday morning at 7:13 am (local time), according to the German Research Centre For Geosciences (GFZ).

Where was the affect?

According to the German Research Centre For Geosciences (GFZ), the earthquake was recorded at a depth of 10 km.

As per the GFZ, the epicenter was located at 27.36 degrees north latitude and 52.60 degrees east longitude.

The epicenter was approximately 35 kilometres southwest of Mohr in Fars province.

Did any other place feel the quake?

Due to the earthquake's great depth, tremors were clearly felt in surrounding areas. The city of Mohr, with a population of approximately 35,000, is near the epicenter. Mild tremors were also felt in other cities in Fars province. There are currently no reports of major damage or loss of life or property.

What is the reason?

Earthquakes are frequent in Iran as it is located between tectonic plates. 

According to experts, this is normal seismic activity and such tremors have occurred in this region before. Although, there was some panic among the people after the earthquake and emergency teams are on alert. 

Relief teams are inspecting the damage and keeping an eye on the possibility of aftershocks. 

Was this a nuclear test? 

Amid the current tense situation in Iran and the ongoing discussions about its nuclear program, some people are spreading rumours on social media whether this was a nuclear test. But experts and international agencies are clarifying that this was a natural earthquake and not a nuclear test.