The Manjil–Rudbar earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 7.4 Mw, occurred in northern Iran, primarily impacting the provinces of Gilan and Zanjan. This catastrophic seismic event struck on June 20, resulting in widespread devastation across the region. The earthquake’s maximum intensity was measured at X on the Mercalli scale, indicating extreme effects, including high building collapse rates and significant surface faulting. The deadly quake occurred in a densely populated area, exacerbating its toll on human life and infrastructure.

Casualty estimates ranged significantly, with reports indicating that between 35,000 to 50,000 people lost their lives due to the disaster, along with a staggering 60,000 to 105,000 others sustaining injuries. Over 300,000 individuals were rendered homeless as entire towns and villages were reduced to rubble. The Iranian government, along with various international organizations, mobilized rescue and relief efforts, but access to affected areas proved challenging due to damaged infrastructure.

The aftermath revealed the immense need for improved building codes and preparedness plans for future earthquakes, leading to a national recognition of the need to enhance seismic safety standards in construction. The quake also prompted discussions on urban planning and disaster response strategies in a country that sits on several major fault lines, making it susceptible to such natural disasters.