Iran Shaken: Over 130 Earthquakes Rock the Region in Just One Week!
In the week from September 13 to 19, a significant uptick in seismic activity was observed in Iran, with a total of 128 earthquakes recorded across the nation. This surge in earthquakes highlights the importance of monitoring seismic activity in this seismically active region.
According to the seismological networks of the Institute of Geophysics at the University of Tehran, the breakdown of the earthquakes is as follows:
- 105 earthquakes had magnitudes less than 3.
- 19 earthquakes registered magnitudes between 3 and 4.
- 4 earthquakes ranged between 4 and 5 on the Richter scale.
Notably, two earthquakes measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale were recorded on September 18 and 19 in Fars province. This incident underscores the dynamic geological nature of the region.
When examining the data by province, Kerman experienced the highest frequency of earthquakes, with a total of 17 quakes. This was followed by:
- Khorasan Razavi – 13 earthquakes
- North Khorasan – 13 earthquakes
Interestingly, during this period, an earthquake also affected Tehran province. However, there were no recorded earthquakes in the following provinces:
- Ardabil
- Alborz
- Ilam
- Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari
- Zanjan
- Qazvin
- Kordestan
- Kermanshah
- Gilan
- Hamedan
Looking at a broader time frame, a total of 6,272 earthquakes were recorded across Iran during the past calendar year (from March 2024 to March 2025), according to the Institute of Geophysics. Among these:
- 150 earthquakes had magnitudes greater than 4.
- On average, at least five earthquakes with magnitudes over 4.5 occurred each month.
The Iranian plateau is situated in a highly seismic region of the world, notorious not only for major catastrophic earthquakes but also for various natural disasters related to seismic activity. Approximately 2 percent of the world’s earthquakes are recorded in Iran. However, it is noteworthy that over 6 percent of the casualties from global earthquakes during the 20th century were linked to quakes in Iran.
This alarming statistic emphasizes the need for enhanced earthquake preparedness and response strategies throughout the country. Given the frequency and severity of seismic events, both local authorities and residents must remain vigilant and informed about earthquake safety measures.
In conclusion, the recent increase in earthquake activity in Iran serves as a reminder of the region’s geological volatility. Continuous monitoring and research are essential to mitigate the impacts of future seismic events, ensuring the safety and resilience of communities across the nation.
