On September 23, 1947, a powerful earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale hit the South Khorasan region in Iran. The epicenter was located near the village of Ferdows, which suffered catastrophic damage. The earthquake struck in the early hours of the morning, while most residents were still asleep, contributing to the high casualty rate. Official estimates reported over 500 deaths as buildings, many of which were not constructed to withstand seismic activity, collapsed like cards. The village infrastructure was devastated, leaving hundreds homeless and vulnerable to the elements.

In the aftermath of the earthquake, early rescue efforts faced formidable challenges due to the region's mountainous terrain and the continuous aftershocks that disrupted relief operations. Local and national authorities, alongside various humanitarian organizations, initiated intensive rehabilitation efforts. Relief supplies, including food and medical assistance, were distributed to the affected areas, yet the scale of destruction made it a daunting task. Survivors faced not only physical injuries but also emotional trauma, as entire families were wiped out in a matter of seconds.

The event spurred discussions on building codes and disaster preparedness within Iran. Although seismic activity is common in the region, the earthquake underscored the need for improved engineering practices and emergency response strategies to minimize future casualties and damage in similar natural disasters. This earthquake remains one of the significant seismic events impacting South Khorasan's population and infrastructure historically.