Earthquake in Iran-Iraq border, tremors felt in UAE

Khaleej Times -- Several UAE residents took to social media late Sunday night saying that they have felt some tremors corresponding to an earthquake.

According to multiple users on Twitter, they felt the ground trembling for a brief period and are asking if others have also experienced it. Users from several parts of the country say that the tremors were felt not only in Dubai, but also in the Reem Island district of Abu Dhabi. Sharjah residents also felt the tremors.

The tremors can be attributed to a magnitude 7.6 earthquake was recorded along the Iran and Iraq border. The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) posted an alert of the quake.

Iranian state TV says a 7.2-magnitude earthquake has jolted the region near the border between Iran and Iraq.

The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the quake on its website, placing its epicenter at around 32km (19 miles) outside the Iraqi city of Halabja, and issuing an "orange" alert for "shaking-related fatalities and economic losses." There were no immediate reports of casualties.

Iranian provinces in the northwestern, western and central areas of the country were impacted. 

Iranian social media was abuzz with area people evacuating their homes.