The quake, which hit Sardouiyeh district 90 kilometers (55 miles) west of Bam at 4:45 am (0115 GMT), sent residents in the icy mountainous area running from their homes and left many outdoors for the rest of the night amid fears another quake could follow.

The quake caused some material damage but no casualties, IRNA said, adding that relief teams had been sent to assess the full impact of the tremor.

On December 26, Bam was struck by a huge quake measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale. According to officials, the death toll now stands at 41,000 but could rise to 45,000 as recovery operations continue.

TERRA.WIRE