More quakes hit border area

A series of earthquakes with a magnitude of at least five have hit the Iran-Iraq border and even rattled Baghdad, striking in the area that saw a tremor kill more than 530 people in November.

The US Geological Survey said seven quakes struck near the Iraqi city of Mandali and an eighth struck near Mehran in western Iran. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

Seven had a preliminary magnitude of at least five.

Earthquakes of magnitude five to 5.9 are classified as moderate, and can cause considerable damage.

Online reports said people rushed into the streets as the tremors hit.