Three helicopters were sent to survey the damaged area before sunset, said Mohammad Mozaffar, the head of Iran's Red Crescent rescue department.

NPR: Iran Says 32 Killed In Earthquake In South

The next part of its survey comes in the New Year, when consultants will try to return unwanted or damaged goods.

CNN: ASIANOW - TIME Asia | Asia Buzz: Bah, Humbug

Cars were damaged by bricks dropping from the building, which will be closed for several days to allow a damage survey to be carried out.

BBC: Seattle quake damage 'tops $1bn'