A powerful earthquake shook central Iran on Tuesday, destroying villages, cutting power to the area, killing at least 175 people and injuring more than 330, state-run television reported.

TV footage showed a village in Kerman province almost flattened by the 6.4-magnitude earthquake, with few mud-built walls standing. Residents were shown digging frantically amid collapsed slabs of concrete and piles of dirt in a bid to find buried friends and relatives.

"All hospitals in Zarand are filled to capacity with the injured. Hospitals in the town cannot receive any more of the injured," the broadcast said, showing images of elderly women and men lying on beds with various injuries.

Posted by: Jonathan Singer / 1:23 AM | Basie! Home