Deadly quake claims hundreds of lives

By Monday night 450 were reported dead and more than 6,700 injured from the magnitude 7.3 earthquake that had hit Kermanshah province. 

According to the Iranian Seismological Center, the incident occurred at 9:48 pm local time. The epicenter of the earthquake which struck at a depth of 11 kilometers was Ezgeleh, a border town adjacent to Iraq. 

Following the devastating earthquake, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei sent his sincere condolences to the families of the deceased.

“I sadly received news about an earthquake in the western part of the country, which resulted in the death and injury of a number of dear fellow countrymen and caused a lot of damage.” 

The Leader also urged all officials, military and civilian forces along with public organizations, to “rush to the aid of those affected in these early hours [after the incident].”

“Conveying sincere condolences to Government and People of Iran following last night's deadly earthquake on western border. Situation was unclear around midnight, now, as the sun rises this morning, we know more about the number of dead/injured. UN will assist if requested,” UN Resident Coordinator in Iran Gary Lewis said in his Twitter message which was released on Monday.

In a statement, Irish President Michael D Higgins also extended his sympathies to those affected by the earthquake. “May they receive the urgent assistance, and the solidarity, they need from the global community and their institutions,” he said.