Magnitude 4.0 Earthquake Shakes Chamchamal, Damages Homes

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - A magnitude 4.0 earthquake struck Chamchamal and surrounding areas in Sulaimani Governorate early Friday, damaging homes, shops and other buildings and sending residents into the streets in panic.

The Chamchamal Meteorological Directorate said the earthquake was recorded at 4.0 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter near the village of Qaratamor.

Damage Reported

The tremor caused structural cracks in a number of houses and damaged several buildings and vehicles, according to local reports.

Residents said the shaking was strong enough in some areas to bring down walls at homes, shops and commercial properties.

Many people rushed outside as the tremor struck, fearful that damaged buildings could collapse.

The earthquake occurred during the early hours of Friday, Aug. 14, when many residents were still inside their homes.

Panic Brings Gunfire

The immediate aftermath was complicated by panic among residents. Some people reportedly fired weapons into the air in an attempt to alert others and encourage them to leave their homes.

The gunfire, however, created an additional danger, with one person reportedly injured by a stray bullet.

A resident speaking in a video recorded during the incident described the fear faced by people who were caught between the earthquake and the gunfire.

“We are afraid to go inside because of the earthquake, and we are afraid to stay outside because of the gunfire,” the resident said. “People's lives are in danger.”

No broader casualty figures were immediately reported following the earthquake.

The incident highlights the risks that can emerge in densely populated areas when sudden seismic activity triggers panic, particularly where residents leave buildings without coordinated emergency procedures.

Authorities had not immediately released a further assessment of structural damage or issued details on any additional aftershocks.