Buildings were evacuated and panic struck people again as tremors were felt in some parts of Doha yesterday. Tremors of a powerful earthquake which rattled Iran-Pakistan boarder were felt across Doha. The tremors were felt stronger than last week and at several places, including areas like Najma, Mansoura, Mather Qadeem, Salwa Road and West Bay. Many buildings in the city were evacuated and a huge traffic jam was experienced, especially in the Dafna and Corniche areas. Civil Defence, police and ambulances rushed to the West Bay and other areas as a precautionary measure, but no casualties were reported. The Ministry of Interior said on its Facebook page: “Authorities are following impact of tremors felt after an earthquake in Iran. We assure there are no casualties or damage in Qatar.” The US Geological Survey said the quake of magnitude 7.8 struck Iran and was at a depth of 15.2km. Tremors caused by the Iran quake were felt in Doha around 2pm. Some reports described the Iran quake as worst in 40 years; aftershocks felt in Doha were small, although people felt them stronger than last Tuesday. “We didn’t feel tremors last week but yesterday chairs and tables were shaking in my house. I got panicked and didn’t want to leave my son alone at home,” said a professional at a private company. She lives with her family on the third floor of a residential unit in Mather Qadeem area. “I was walking on the staircase and felt like it was shaking. The shake was stronger than last week,” said an executive working in the Dafna area. A European lady living at a residential unit in the West Bay said: “I felt the tremors twice, first it was mild and the second one was a bit stronger, the flower vase on the table was moving.” However, some people were less panicked than last week and evacuations were done smoothly. Some companies even had evacuation drills, following last Tuesday’s tremors. “Tremors were felt little stronger, but the panic was less. Unlike last week, people knew what was happening and what to be done. We even had a mock drill last week,” said an employee of an oil and gas company near the Corniche. “However, we were asked to leave office soon after evacuation,” she added. http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/qatar/233349-quake-fears-grip-doha-again.html

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