More aftershocks expected following Iran earthquake, but not likely to be felt in Qatar

There are no reports of damages to buildings or injuries in Qatar following an earthquake in Iran yesterday whose tremors could be felt across the Gulf.

Some 32 people were killed and 850 injured in southern Iran yesterday afternoon, and more tremors are likely there.

But Al Jazeera English senior meteorologist Steff Gaulter told Doha News:

There have been some aftershocks and there will be more today, but it has to be really strong before we feel it over here.

According to the Qatar Meteorology Department, the epicenter of the earthquake, which measured 6.3 on the Richter scale, was 410 miles north of Qatar.

Residents yesterday reported feeling the tremors across the city, primarily in areas near the coast, including at the Crowne Plaza Hotel towards the south-east, Hamad Hospital in the center of town, and Dafna and West Bay to the north.

Though the shaking sensation only lasted 30 to 40 seconds, thousands of people were evacuated from buildings across Doha, especially from high-rises in West Bay and the Pearl-Qatar.

Jokes quickly began to fly on Twitter yesterday about the effects of the earthquake in Qatar.

As official numbers of those hurt or killed in Iran came in, however, others took a more somber tone.

Thoughts?

Credit: Image courtesy of Zahi Ghandour on Twitter