Everything We Know About the Iran-Iraq Earthquake That Has Killed More Than 400 People

The devastating quake hit late Sunday night local time.

Iran earthquake survivors
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Earthquake survivors who had lost their relatives cry next to the debris of buildings at Sarpol-e Zahab province of Kermanshah, Iran on November 13, 2017 following a 7.3 magnitude earthquake that hit the Iraq and Iran. An earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale rocked northern Iraq and Iran, the U.S. Geological Survey said on Sunday evening. At least 341 died and 5,953 others were injured in Iran's bordering regions, especially in Kermanshah province in west.

Iran earthquake survivors

On Sunday night, a devastating earthquake hit near Ezgeleh, Iran, just outside the Iraqi border. It killed hundreds of people and injured thousands. Here's what we know so far:

When and where did this happen?

The earthquake hit at 9:18 p.m. local time on Sunday. Its center was about 135 miles from Baghdad, right near the Iraq border. 

How many people were killed or injured?

Early reports set the death toll at "at least" 407 in Iran and eight in Iraq. In total, there were 6,700 injuries. Of the dead, 236 were from a single city, Pol-e Zahab—a city with only 30,000 people. The town's sole hospital, with "all patients and hospital staff" tragically inside, was demolished. People in the city are also short on food and fuel.

The death total is the largest for an earthquake this year, surpassing the 369 people killed in September's Mexico City quake. Aid agencies are reporting that more than 70,000 people are in need of shelter.

How big was the quake?

The U.S. Geological Survey puts the magnitude of the quake at 7.3. It is reportedly the biggest quake ever to hit Iran's western region, and the deadliest to hit the country since 2012. There have been 145 aftershocks. The quake was felt in Turkey, Kuwait, and even the Mediterranean coast of Israel. 

What now?

Some rescue efforts have been hampered by landslides. And, in this-could-be-really-bad news, cracks were spotted in a dam in Iraq's Kurdish region. The death toll will surely go up, authorities say, as more people are found buried.

What can you do to help?

The Iranian Red Crescent has been doing much of the on-the-ground relief work. If you're in the United States, you can help them out by donating to its parent organization, the International Committee of the Red Cross. You can do that by clicking here.

Relief International was started by Iranian-Americans, and provides emergency assistance in the wake of natural disasters. Donate here

Iran's Children Charity provides children in Iran with medical attention, food, and more. Check them out here.

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