This bulletin is being issued for information of the earthquake took place in West Azerbaijan province of Islamic Republic of Iran and reflects the current situation and details available at this time. Although international appeal has not been launched for this disaster, direct international donations to IRCS are welcomed to support the ongoing operation.
Summary:
A twin Earthquakes measuring 6.2 and 6 on the Richter scale shook north-western Iran, East Azerbaijan province on 11 August 2012. As per Tehran University’s Seismological Centre, The epicentre of the first earthquake was Owrang village located in Ahar city and epicentre of the second one was between Ali Abad and Zang Abad villages in Varzaghan city.
Number of aftershocks: More than 1,400 (based on International Institute for Seismology)
• Number of cities affected: 5 (Varzaghan, Haris, Ahar, Tabri, caliber)
• Number of villages affected: 399
• Damage percentage:
356 villages between 30- 100%
46 villages 100%
• Number of the destroyed houses above 60%: 11,908
• Death toll: 306 persons
• Number of the supportive provinces: 15
The situation
Two Earthquakes with the magnitude of 6.2 and 6.3 on the Richter scale rocked north-western Iran, East Azerbaijan province on 11 August 2012. As per Tehran University’s Seismological Centre, the first earthquake hit at 4:53PM local time with an epicentre around 60 KM from Tabriz and the second one took place at 5:04 PM in the vicinity of Varzaghan. The towns of Ahar, Varzaghan and Heris and their surrounding rural areas are the main earthquake stricken places.