A series of nine small earthquakes struck the Pardis area east of Tehran overnight, raising fresh concerns among experts and residents about the possibility of a major seismic disaster in the Iranian capital.
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According to reports by Mehr News Agency, the tremors occurred near the Mosha fault, one of Iran’s most active seismic zones. Authorities said one of the earthquakes measured 4.6 in magnitude, though no casualties or major damage were reported.
The repeated seismic activity has renewed fears over accumulated tectonic pressure beneath and around Tehran, which lies close to several active fault lines including the North Tehran, Mosha and Rey fault systems.
Iranian seismologist Mehdi Zare said it remains unclear whether the tremors represent a release of built-up seismic energy that could lower future risks or whether they are warning signs of stronger earthquakes ahead.
Zare warned that Tehran’s vulnerability is intensified by dense urban development, heavy population concentration and limited disaster preparedness. He noted that even moderate earthquakes could severely disrupt the city due to fragile infrastructure and traffic congestion that could hinder emergency response efforts.
Tehran, home to more than 14 million people in its metropolitan area, has long been considered at high risk for a devastating earthquake.
Iran is among the world’s most earthquake-prone countries, and memories of the deadly 2003 2003 Bam earthquake, which killed more than 30,000 people, continue to shape public fears about seismic threats.
