BREAKING: Earthquake Measuring 6.1 Strikes Northeastern Iran, Near Mashhad

BREAKING: Earthquake Measuring 6.1 Strikes Northeastern Iran, Near Mashhad

A massive earthquake measuring 6.1 magnitude has hit the northeastern region of Iran on Wednesday morning killing one. Emergency rescue teams with helicopters have been deployed to assess the damage.

The epicenter was at a remote mountainous area in Sefid Sang district where some 5,000 people live and at the depth of about 13 kilimeters. All the residents fled onto the streets immediately after the quake and experienced some strong aftershocks too.

The district is about 80 kilometers southeast of Mashhad, the second-largest populous city of Iran.

Tasnim news agency reports phone service in the area has been disrupted in the quake and at least five aftershocks have been registered.

State radio announced the quake occurred at the depth of 10 kilometers. Shallow quakes cause more serious damage.

About 26,000 people were killed in 2003 in a 6.6-magnitude earthquake in the historic southeastern city of Bam.