CurrentReport Blog Iran has been plunged into a deep state of mourning following a 3.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Malayer in the Hamedan province of Western Iran on Monday, May 20. The seismic event comes barely 24 hours after the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash on Sunday, further intensifying the nation’s grief.
Double Tragedy for Iran
The earthquake occurred at 08:20:52 local time at a depth of 10km, according to the Seismological Centre of the Geophysics Institute of the University of Tehran. The epicentre was located 9 kilometres from Samen, 18 kilometres from Malayer, and 18 kilometres from Oshtorinan. Though relatively moderate in magnitude, the tremor has compounded the sorrow of a nation already reeling from the sudden loss of its president.
Nationwide Mourning Declared
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, confirmed the occurrence of the earthquake while announcing a five-day period of national mourning to honor the late President Ebrahim Raisi and his companions who perished in the crash. The Supreme Leader’s declaration underscores the profound impact of these consecutive tragedies on the Iranian populace.
Community Resilience and Response
Local authorities and emergency services have been mobilized to assess and address any damage caused by the earthquake. While initial reports suggest minimal structural damage and no casualties, the psychological impact on the residents of Malayer and surrounding areas cannot be underestimated.
