A strong earthquake has hit dozens of villages in southern Iran, killing at least 500 people and hurting many more.

The 6.4-magnitude quake struck just before 0600 (0230 GMT) and was centred near Zarand in Kerman province, 740km (460 miles) from the capital, Tehran.

Some 30,000 people in about 40 villages spread over a wide, mountainous area have been affected.

Casualties are expected to rise in the province and heavy rain is hampering rescue work.

State-run television in Iran and the local governor's office in Kerman said more than 500 people died as a result of the earthquake, which lasted 11 seconds.

The authorities say they have now recovered 231 bodies.

Reports say 200 people were killed in one village.

About 1,000 people are said to have been injured, but casualty figures are still rising.

The head of Zarand hospital earlier said 5,000 people were injured, but Iran's interior ministry says that number includes people who received first aid for very minor injuries.
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Sharp media reaction to Iran quake

Iranian media gave extensive coverage to the earthquake that struck south-eastern mountain villages on Tuesday, killing more than 450 people.

Coming just 14 months after a much greater disaster at Bam, the quake in Kerman province prompts some newspapers to criticise the authorities' response.

Websites too are questioning the readiness of the country to cope with disasters, while television reports paint a different picture of the relief efforts.

State-run Iranian TV was quick to show scenes from the devastated villages, with footage of casualties being loaded onto military helicopters.

The TV said units from the Revolutionary Guards and the Basij Resistance Force, an Islamic militia, were taking part in relief efforts, and quoted Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and President Khatami urging the emergency services to speed up their rescue efforts.

During the bulletin, national TV switched live to local Kerman Television, where the presenter praised the quick response of the emergency services. The relief operation had started in the early morning, she said, and there was no lack of ambulances.
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