Powerful earthquake wreaks havoc in western Iran

The death toll from a powerful earthquake that has struck areas located along the Iran-Iraq border continues to rise.

Based on latest reports, as many as 164 people have been confirmed dead in western Iran cities, the majority of them in Kermanshah Province. Almost 1,600 others have sustained injuries.

The US Geological Survey said the quake was centered 32 kilometers southwest of Halabja in Sulaymaniyah Province of Iraq. It said the quake measured 7.3 on the Richter scale. The temblor has also been felt in a number of neighboring countries including Azerbaijan, Turkey, Armenia, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.