Strong Earthquake Hits Tehran, Iran — Casualties Reported

Reflecto News | Breaking News | Natural Disaster

TEHRAN, Iran — A powerful earthquake struck the Iranian capital Tehran and its surrounding provinces on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, sending shockwaves across the region and causing significant damage, injuries, and structural collapses, state media reported .

The quake, with a preliminary magnitude of 5.9 to 6.0, struck at approximately 1:20 p.m. local time. The epicenter was located near the city of Damavand, approximately 35 kilometers northeast of Tehran, according to the Seismological Center of the University of Tehran .

💥 Damage and Casualties

The earthquake has caused significant material damage, including the collapse of buildings across several cities and provinces, as well as power outages and telecommunications disruptions. The death toll is expected to rise as search-and-rescue efforts continue .

Initial reports from Iranian news agencies indicate:

• Deaths: At least 10 people have been confirmed dead, according to Al Jazeera. Official state television reported at least 12 deaths, while the semi‑official Fars News Agency reported at least 2 dead .
• Injuries: At least 300 to 1,500 people have been injured across Tehran, Semnan, and Mazandaran provinces (figures vary widely due to early reporting) .
• Aftershocks: Multiple aftershocks have followed the main temblor, including a 4.0 magnitude quake, raising the risk of further building collapses .

Tehran has long been considered one of the world‘s most seismically vulnerable major cities, with seismologists warning for decades that a major quake could be catastrophic due to lax building regulations and a population of over 15 million people .

🚨 Infrastructure Impact

• At least three historic buildings in Tehran have been damaged.
• Power outages have been reported in several parts of the capital, and authorities have urged residents to conserve electricity .
• Communications disruptions have affected mobile phone networks and internet access across the province .

The Iranian Parliament building and sections of the Presidential Palace were evacuated following the initial shaking, and staff were moved to emergency shelters .

🗣️ Official Response

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who was unharmed and relocated to a secure military bunker after the quake, has ordered all available military and civilian resources to assist in rescue and relief efforts, state media reported .

President Masoud Pezeshkian has canceled planned provincial visits, convened an emergency cabinet meeting, and declared three days of national mourning . He is expected to travel to affected areas in Tehran province in the coming hours .

The Ministry of Health has dispatched hundreds of ambulances and emergency medical teams to the affected areas, and field hospitals are being set up in parks and open spaces across the capital .

🌍 International Reaction

Azerbaijan was the first country to offer assistance, sending a specialized search-and-rescue team and medical supplies . Turkey has also offered air and ground support .

Iraq, which was not hit by the quake but experienced shaking in northern provinces, has offered logistical support and the reopening of border crossings for emergency aid . Pakistan, India, China, and Russia have expressed condolences and offered assistance. The United States has not yet responded.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has activated its emergency response protocols and is in contact with Iranian authorities to assess needs .

📋 Key Takeaways for Reflecto News Readers

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Updated: May 13, 2026