Earthquake

Powerful earthquake on Iran-Iraq border kills more than 140 - AP
AP reports: "A powerful earthquake shook the Iran-Iraq border late Sunday, killing more than 140 people and injuring 860 in the mountainous region of Iran alone, state media there said. The Baghdad government did not immediately give word on damage or casualties in that country. The 7.3-magnitude quake was centered 19 miles (31 kilometers) outside the eastern Iraqi city of Halabja, according to the most recent measurements from the U.S. Geological Survey. It struck at a depth of 23.2 kilometers (14.4 miles), a shallow depth that can have broader damage. Magnitude 7 earthquakes on their own are capable of widespread, heavy damage. The quake was felt as far west as the Mediterranean coast."

Comment: This is a very large earthquake, it's fortunate that it did not hit a major metropolitan area or the loss of life would have been much higher.