Iran earthquake death toll expected to rise

After the earthquakes in northwestern Iran rescue efforts are in full swing. Dozens of aftershocks have hit the region as the hunt for buried people continues.

One hundred and ten villages have been damaged and four destroyed completely by the tremors 60 kilometres northeast of the city Tabriz. The first one had a magnitude of 6.4 and was closely followed by another measuring 6.3.

At least 250 people are confirmed dead and the figure is set to rise due to the large numbers who are in a critical condition, according to Iranian authorities.

Iran’s Deputy Interior Minister Hassan Ghadami puts the number of injured people at 1,800. Medical facilities are struggling to cope.

Meanwhile the Red Crescent emergency and relief organisation is providing tents, food and blankets for the hundreds of people forced to spend the night out in the open.

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