IRAN - June 22 - Earthquake.

A powerful earthquake, registered 6.3 on the Richter scale, hits the north-west provinces of Gilan, Tehran, Kurdestan, Qazvin, Zanjan and Hamedan, flattening nearly 100 remote mountain villages, killing at least 220 people, injuring at least 1,500 and leaving 25,000 homeless. The quake strikes the area at 7:30 am, when most people are still in their homes. The epicenter of the quake is in the town of Bou'in-Zahra and in the village of Abdareh, in Qazvin Province about 220 km west of Tehran. The area, inhabited by tens of thousands of people, is one of the industrial centres, home to many small industries producing goods ranging from plastics to medicine and food. The quake was followed by several aftershocks. It was also felt in Tehran, but there were no reports of damage in the capital. The head of the Red Crescent said relief workers, food, more than 1,000 tents, 2,500 blankets and mobile kitchens were dispatched to the stricken area. Extra ambulances were sent, while the army was supplying water trucks. The UN said it sent a team to the area. US Pres. Bush extended an offer of humanitarian aid, saying: "Human suffering knows no political boundaries. We stand ready to assist the people of Iran as needed and as desired". Condolences or offers of help have poured in from Iraq, Germany, Australia, Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Japan and others. Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi told state radio: "Iran didn't ask for help from any country, but normally in these situations nations send aid and help, which we welcome".