Iran earthquake latest: Magnitude 6.1 quake strikes Kerman province

Country is prone to near-daily quakes

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has highlighted his government's efforts in bringing aid and temporary housing to the victims of last month's quake, though hardline rivals say the government's response was not quick enough or adequate (EPA)

An earthquake of magnitude 6.1 struck northeast of Kerman, a provincial capital in Iran, the US Geological Survey said.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties in the quake, which hit at a depth of 57 km (35 miles).

Local officials had not gathered information on possible deaths or injuries from the quake, which was near the town of Hejdak, according to state TV.

Another quake, which Iranian state media reported at 6 and the USGS reported at 5.4, hit western Iran on Monday, in the same region where a magnitude 7.3 earthquake killed at least 530 people last month. There have been no reports of deaths or injuries from Monday's quake.

President Hassan Rouhani has highlighted his government's efforts in bringing aid and temporary housing to the victims of last month's quake, though hardline rivals say the government's response was not quick enough or adequate.

Iran is prone to near-daily quakes as it sits on major fault lines.

In 2003, a 6.6-magnitude quake flattened the historic city of Bam, killing 26,000 people.

Additional reporting by agencies