Friday June 20, northern Iran experienced a new seismic movement that was felt in the province of Semnan and its surroundings, in a context marked by strong tensions in the Middle East. Initial information from international and local sources They indicated that the magnitude of the phenomenon ranged between 5,1 and 5,2 on the Richter scale, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and Iranian agencies.
En an episode that occurred around 21:19 p.m. local time, the earthquake had its epicenter about 36 or 37 kilometers southwest of Semnan, approximately 145 kilometers from Tehran. This event captured the attention not only of the local population but also of the international community, given the political and military circumstances in the region.
A shock without serious consequences
Despite its magnitude, No major material damage or fatalities have been reported so far.Local media and official bodies, such as Press TV and IRNA, reported that The earthquake was felt in cities such as Qom and Tehran., as well as in nearby towns such as Karaj and Damavand. The depth of the event was estimated at around 10 kilometers.
Authorities have confirmed that The situation is under control and there is no immediate threat to critical infrastructure.. However, The earthquake caused concern among the populationRumors and theories circulated on social media about the earthquake's possible connection to military and nuclear activity in the area, especially after it occurred near sensitive facilities such as the Fordow plant. However, Experts and seismologists emphasize that seismic activity in Iran is common and there is no evidence linking this event to nuclear tests or secret military operations..
El recurring seismic pattern in Iran It is located in one of the most active tectonic zones on the planet, with an average of 270 annual earthquakes of magnitude 4 or greaterThe coincidence of the earthquake with the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel has fueled increased speculation in the media and on social media platforms. However, Preliminary investigations rule out any direct link.
Tension context and seismic background
The recent earthquake This comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, with exchange of attacks and a latent atmosphere of warRecently, Israel carried out an air offensive on Iranian territory, and Tehran responded with missile launches. This situation has heightened international alert, with every seismic event being closely monitored.
Although the current climate creates uncertainty, Iran has suffered some of the world's most devastating earthquakes in the past. These included the December 2003 earthquake, which claimed an estimated 31.000 lives, and the June 1990 earthquake, which claimed nearly 37.000 lives. In 2017, a magnitude 7,3 earthquake left more than 600 dead and thousands injured in Kermanshah province.
Regarding earthquake this Friday, the data so far shows that Iran maintains its resilience and experience in seismic emergency management, demonstrating solid preparation for these natural phenomena.
The science behind the tremors in the region
Iran is located in an area where several tectonic plates converge, such as the Arabian, Eurasian and Indian, which makes seismic activity constant. The Zagros fault belt and other geological structures They cause earthquakes that vary from mild to highly destructive.
Specialists point out that There is no specific magnitude that defines the difference between a tremor and an earthquake.However, severe damage is usually associated with events measuring greater than 6 on the Richter scale. Vulnerability also depends on the quality of infrastructure and local preparedness.
This episode reinforces the importance of maintaining alert systems and acting cautiously against the spread of rumors or unverified information, especially in the context of an international crisis.
Iraq continues to demonstrate its ability to react and adapt to seismic movements in one of the most active regions on the planet, where these phenomena are part of everyday life.
