Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

A major earthquake described as the strongest to hit Iran in more than half a century flattened homes and offices Tuesday near Iran's border with Pakistan, killing at least 40 people in the sparsely populated region and swaying skyscrapers and buildings.

The earthquake measuring 7.5 points on the Richter scale was registered in Iranian Sareban town, Sistan and Baluchestan Province in southeastern Iran.

The Iranian media reported that 20 rescue groups were sent to the earthquake place.

Besides, Iranian seismological services warn people about the possibility of aftershocks after a strong earthquake.

The specialists do not rule out that the strength of aftershocks can be up to 6 points on the Richter scale.

Tremors were felt across the Gulf region and in New Delhi.

Earlier on April 10, the earthquake, measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale, occurred in Bushehr province.

The Vienna-based U.N. body said the quake hit about 91 km (56 miles) from the Bushehr nuclear power plant.

Two more quakes hit Iran on April 9. One 3.9 Richter scale measured quake occurred in Kiyaser city of Iran's Mazandaran province near the Caspian Sea, and the other 4.0 quake hit Iran's Abadan city of Khuzestan province.

According to the statistics 40 people died as a result of the quakes, and over 950 were injured.

In addition, according to the Iranian media, a mountain has been destroyed, debris of which fell on the Shonbeh city. It is noted that the most severe damage occurred in this city.

200 houses were destroyed in Shonbeh village. Altogether, it is reported that more than 700 houses are destroyed, and numerous houses are severely damaged.