On 18 August 2014 at 7:02 (am) local time, an earthquake was reported in Ilam province, in the western Islamic Republic of Iran. The quake struck 36 kilometres (22 miles) southeast of the city of Abdanan, near to the town of Mour-Mouri.
The US Geological Survey reported the magnitude of the quake at 6.3 and said its epicentre was at a depth of 10 kilometres (6.2 miles).
18 villages are exposed to damage with a total population of about 4500.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Education reported about 50 injured people had been rescued in Abdanan, three of them hospitalized and no deaths reported.
The night before (17 August), reference to announced warning by the governorate and due to experienced minor tremors struck, people mostly spent the night outside their homes.
Investigations to find and rescue all casualties and to map the damage happened are in process.
Health situation
The Ministry of Health and Medical Education sent their emergency team to evaluate the situation in the locality and other neighbouring provinces to provide needed support to affected areas.
Immediate needs for drinking-water and shelter was announced but the government is covering all needs and continues to conduct save and rescue operations without further assistance required.
Coordination
The WHO country office in the Islamic Republic of Iran is in close contact with the emergency operations centre of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education and is monitoring the situation. WHO is also coordinating with UN partners in case of any eventual assistance required.
