A moderate earthquake of magnitude 5.2 struck near Borazjan in Iran’s southern Bushehr province on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at approximately 7:59 AM local time (4:29 AM UTC).

The quake, which occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, was initially reported by the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) just minutes after the event, with later updates from other seismic monitoring agencies confirming the tremor’s strength and location.

The earthquake’s epicenter was located roughly 5 kilometers southeast of Borazjan, a city of around 86,100 people. The tremor was felt strongly in areas close to the epicenter, with moderate shaking reported in Borazjan itself.

As a shallow earthquake, it is likely to have caused significant shaking at ground level, which could have led to light to moderate damage in the immediate vicinity.

The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) later reported the magnitude of the earthquake at 5.1, indicating a slight discrepancy in readings from different agencies.

Seismic experts continue to monitor the situation as they refine their analysis of the earthquake’s precise magnitude, depth, and impact.

In nearby cities, the effects of the earthquake varied. In Bushehr, a port city located about 49 kilometers from the epicenter, the quake was felt as light shaking.

With a population of around 165,400, Bushehr, which is an important commercial hub in the region, was less affected by the tremor. In the city of Kāzerūn, located approximately 59 kilometers from the epicenter, weak shaking was felt, according to initial reports.

Given the location of the earthquake in a seismically active region, it is expected that local authorities are on high alert to assess any potential damage, particularly in Borazjan and surrounding areas. Earthquakes of this magnitude are capable of causing structural damage to buildings, particularly older or less sturdy constructions.

There have been no immediate reports of casualties, but local emergency teams are likely conducting assessments to ensure the safety of residents.

In addition, the Iranian authorities are expected to release further updates on the earthquake’s aftermath in the coming hours as more information becomes available.

Earthquakes in Iran are not uncommon, with the country located on several major fault lines, including the boundary between the Arabian and Eurasian tectonic plates.

The region experiences frequent seismic activity, making it important for residents and local governments to be prepared for such events.

While moderate in magnitude, this earthquake serves as a reminder of the ongoing seismic risk in this part of Iran. Residents in the affected areas are urged to remain vigilant as aftershocks may follow in the coming days. Seismologists continue to monitor the region closely for any additional developments related to this event.

As the situation evolves, more detailed reports from authorities and emergency teams are expected to provide further clarity on the extent of the earthquake’s impact.