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7.2-magnitude earthquake jolts Iraq-Iran border area

Posted at 2:56 PM, Nov 12, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-12 14:56:45-05

FOX NEWS —  A 7.2-magnitude earthquake in the Middle East jolted “the Iraq-Iran border region” on Sunday, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) announced, as people across the region reported damage to buildings in the area.

On its website, the USGS placed the quake’s epicenter at about 19 miles south-southwest of the Iraqi city of Halabja.

@USGSted

Prelim M7.2 earthquake Iran-Iraq border region Nov-12 18:18 UTC, updates https://go.usa.gov/xnD7q , 37  tweets/min

The agency also issued an “orange” alert for “shaking-related fatalities and economic losses.” There were no immediate reports of casualties.

“Significant casualties and damage are likely and the disaster is potentially widespread,” the agency said online. “Past orange alerts have required a regional or national level response.”