Earthquake in Iran and Iraq leaves more than 300 dead

A massive earthquake has struck near the border between Iran and Iraq, leaving 348 people dead.

The powerful 7.3 magnitude quake hit the Kermanshah region at 9.20pm local time on Sunday, and authorities have said they expect the death toll to rise.

The town of Sarpol-e Zahab appears to have been the worst-affected by the tremor, with 236 fatalities reported. Its main hospital was left severely damaged impeding treatment for hundreds of people from surrounding areas.

According to the Iranian Red Crescent, more than 70,000 people have had to be relocated to emergency shelter.

The disaster was also felt in neighbouring countries, including Turkey, Kuwait and Israel.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei offered his condolences on Monday, urging government agencies to do everything required to aid those affected by the quake.

Sunday’s disaster is the deadliest to hit Iran since 2012, with the region being particularly susceptible to earthquakes due to the movement of tectonic plates in the country.