Dozens die in quake near Iran nuclear plant

Published on 9 Apr 2013 : A powerful earthquake has struck close to Iran's only nuclear power station, killing at least 32 people and injuring 850 more as it devastated small villages, according to state media reports.

Tuesday's 6.3 magnitude quake totally destroyed one village, a Red Crescent official told the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA), but the nearby Bushehr nuclear plant was undamaged, according to a local politician and the Russian company that built it.

Many houses in rural parts of the province are made of mud brick, which can easily crumble in a quake.

     

Malaysia PM dissolves parliament

Published on 3 Apr 2013 : Malaysia's parliament has been dissolved ahead of a general election expected to be held later this month. The party of the prime minister, Najib Razak, has ruled for more than 50 years. The next election is expected to be a tight contest.