The Richter scale moved up to a reading of 6.1in southern Iran yesterday forcing people on to the streets due to fear. There were 37 fatalities from the incident.

Earthquake occurred in Kaki, a town only 96 kilometres from Bushehr. Bushehr is a town on the Persian Gulf, where Iran's first nuclear powerplant was constructed with aid from the Russians. The authorities however mentioned that the plant was not affected by the natural calamity.

There are over 900 injured in the incident while at least 100 were hospitalised. There is an interruption of water and electricity to people from the town.

UN also confirmed via its nuclear watchdog that the plant remained unaffected and that there was no release of radioactive susbstances near the plant after the earthquake. The International Atomic Energy Agency statement also agreed that there was little danger due to the incident.

Three days of mourning was announced in Iran.

The quake was felt in the Gulf of Bahrain, UAE and Qatar too where the workers of the high rise building were requested to evacuate as a precautionary measure.

There was a much milder quake that trembled Iran on sunday. Due to the location of the nation right along the seismic faultline, earthquakes are a common occurrence.

(AW- Anil)