Powerful quake in Iran kills 3, injures 22

A powerful earthquake jolted a major port city on the Gulf in southern Iran on Wednesday, killing three persons and injuring 22. The US Geological Survey said the 6.1 magnitude quake hit at 1100 GMT (0500 PST) about 53 kilometres (33 miles) west-southwest of the port of Bandar Abbas, which is home to an oil refinery and the country's main navy base. Iranian state television said 3 person have been killed and 22 injured while some buildings were destroyed. It said the tremor lasted about 30 seconds but was followed by at least 10 aftershocks, the most powerful measuring 4.8 on the Richter Scale.