TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — A regional governor says at least 37 people have been killed and hundreds more are hurt after an earthquake struck a lightly-populated area of southern Iran.
The area is home to the country's first nuclear plant, but officials say it wasn't damaged, and there was no release of radioactivity.
The quake, with a magnitude of 6.1, struck in late afternoon, Iranian time, and was centered about 60 miles southeast of the Persian Gulf town (Bushehr) that is home to the nuclear plant.
The U.N.'s watchdog agency says it's been informed by Iran that there was no damage to the plant and no radioactive release. The statement from the International Atomic Energy Agency indicates that it's satisfied there is little danger.
A governor in the region that was hardest hit says the quake cut off water and electricity to many residents.
One person who lives in the area says people ran out into the streets out of fear when the quake struck. Dozens of aftershocks have been reported by Iran's official news agency.
