Magnitude-5.6 Earthquake Hits Iran's Bushehr

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.6 has struck southern Iran, killing seven people but causing no damage at the country’s only nuclear power plant.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquake struck late on Thursday about 60 kilometers northeast of Bushehr, on the Gulf coast.

The semi-official Fars News Agency reported at least 59 people were injured; 12 of those were in critical condition.

Images of damaged buildings and rubble were broadcast on state television.

Iran sits on major geological faultlines and has suffered several big earthquakes in recent years.

In April, a 6.1-magnitude earthquake killed at least 37 people and injured hundreds in a town near Bushehr.