Earthquake Felt Countries Away Hits Near Iran Nuclear Plant

It struck 60 miles east of Bushehr
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 19, 2018 12:19 AM CDT
Strong Quake Hits Near Iran Nuclear Plant
This map locates the epicenter of the earthquake in southern Iran.   (USGS)

An earthquake hit Iran early Thursday just 60 miles away from the country's only operating nuclear power plant. According to the USGS, the 5.5 magnitude quake struck 6.2 miles below the surface, strong and shallow enough to cause widespread damage, though Iran hasn't reported damage at the Bushehr nuclear plant, which was built to withstand earthquakes. Iranian state media put the earthquake's strength at magnitude 5.9, though there were no immediate reports of casualties, the National reports. The earthquake was felt as far away as Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, where tall buildings were evacuated, the AP reports. (More Iran earthquake stories.)

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