7.2 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Iraq, Felt in Surrounding Countries
Tremors felt as far away as in the UAE and Kuwait
Tremors could be felt as far away as in the UAE after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Northern Iraq.
The quake struck 103 km southeast of the city of Sulaymaniyah, the US Geological Survey said. Reuters reported that while the USGS initially said the quake was of a magnitude 7.2, it revised it to 7.3. However on the USGS website it showed its magnitude as 7.2 and status as “reviewed”.
BREAKING: 7.2 magnitude #earthquake recorded near the Iran/Iraq border. pic.twitter.com/yeVGG0FOOz
— The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel) November 12, 2017
According to the USGS, the quake struck at 10.18pm, at a depth of 33.9km. The extent of damage and casualties were unknown last night.
Witnesses said buildings being evacuated as they shook violently. Areas affected by the tremor included Erbil, Duhok and Halabja.
Aftershocks and tremors were reportedly as far a field as Kuwait. Residents in the UAE took to social media to report they felt the tremors.
Did I just feel an earth tremor in Dubai?? Or is the wind really strong!! #dubai #earthquake
— The Cool Aunt (@thecoolauntau) November 12, 2017
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Main Headline Image:A handout photo made available by the US Geological Survey (USGS) on Sunday shows a intensity shake map of a 7.2-magnitude earthquake at the Iraqi-Iranian border region near Halabjah, Iraq USGS