5.3-degree quake triggers panic in southern Iran

A relatively strong earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale hit southern province of Fars Wednesday morning and created panic among local residents.

According to Shiraz seismological base, the tremor occurred at 9:25 hours local time (0555 GMT).

The quake was felt in the provincial capital city of Shiraz as well as the cities of Mamassani and Sepidan, located in 158 km western and 100 kms northwestern the capital city of Shiraz, respectively.

The epicenter of the quake was in an area located 30.20 degrees in latitude and 51.79 degrees in longitude, at the suburbs of Sepidan in northwest of Fars province.

The quake shattered windows of buildings in Sepidan and Mamassani, sending local panic-stricken residents into the streets.