2017 Kermanshah Earthquake; Lessons Learned

on November 12, 2017 at 21:48 local time, an earthquake with a moment magnitude of 7.3 struck Ezgeleh, Kermanshah Province, Iran. It is estimated that 600 to 700 people were killed, and more than 10,000 injured. This unfortunate event gives us pause to re-examine, and thereby improve, Iran’s disaster planning, preparedness, mitigation, and program responses. Computer-mediated technologies such as Telegram messaging service were highly beneficial. They helped mobilized local, national, and global support for victims of this disaster. Not only did social media facilitate immediate assistance for thousands of people postearthquake, it enabled victims, friends and families to share valuable and timely information. This proved to be of immense help in rescue and relief efforts for those affected by this event.