An earthquake in northwestern Iran killed at least four people and injured 70 early on Friday, according to Iranian media reports quoting officials.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the magnitude 5.8 quake struck at 2:17 a.m. local time about 52 miles (83 kilometers) southwest of Ardabil.
Iran’s IRNA news agency said the tremor was relatively strong and caused many people to run out of their homes in panic in the middle of the night.
Iranian media gave no further details about the casualties, but Iranian state TV said the quake was felt in several towns and cities. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Center (EMSC) said the quake was felt by some 20 million people.
The quake had a shallow depth of 6.2 miles (10 kilometers), which would have amplified the shaking.
By Parisa Hafezi, Sandra Maler, and Mohammad Zargham
