| 1978 Tabas earthquake | |
| Timestamp: | 1978-09-16 15:35:55 |
| Isc-Event: | 676813 |
| Anss-Url: | iscgem676813 |
| Local-Time: | 19:05:55 IRST |
| Magnitude: | 7.4 |
| Depth: | 10km (10miles) |
| Location: | 33.21°N 57.48°W |
| Type: | Dip-slip |
| Affected: | Iran |
| Damages: | $11 million |
| Pga: | 0.8 g |
| Aftershocks: | 5.0 Sept 17 at 08:17 |
| Casualties: | 15,000–25,000 |
The 1978 Tabas earthquake (Persian: زمینلرزه ۱۳۵۷ طبس) occurred on September 16 at 19:05:55 local time in central Iran. The shock measured 7.4 on the moment magnitude scale and had a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX+ (Violent). The death toll was in the range of 15,000–25,000, with severe damage occurring in the town of Tabas.
Eighty percent of the human deaths occurred in Tabas, but a total of 85 villages were also affected. This seismic force was felt in Tehran, about 610km (380miles) away. About 55km-85kmkm (34miles-53mileskm) of ground deformation was observed, with about 1.7m (05.6feet) of maximum slip. Only one significant M5 aftershock occurred.
The earthquake destroyed or severely damaged around 90 villages. The town of Tabas was completely destroyed. Nearly 85% of the population was killed.[1]
60 villages were badly damaged, including Ferdows, where 80 percent of the city was destroyed. Reportedly, two-thirds of Iran, including the capital city of Tehran, felt the earthquake.[2]
Manuel Berberian reported over 20,000 people were killed and 15,000 housing units destroyed.[1]