The 1981 Sirch earthquake occurred at 00:22 local time (17:22 UTC) on July 28. It had a magnitude of 7.1 on the surface wave magnitude scale and a maximum perceived intensity of IX (Violent) on the Mercalli intensity scale. The epicentre was in the province of Kerman in eastern Iran. The earthquake caused the destruction of Kerman and serious damage to towns and villages in the surrounding area. The estimated number of deaths is 1,500, with a further 1,000 injured, 50,000 homeless, and extensive damage in the Kerman Region.

1981 Sirch earthquake

Kerman
UTC time	1981-07-28 17:22:26
ISC event	624412
USGS-ANSS	ComCat
Local date	July 28, 1981 (1981-07-28)
Local time	20:52:26 IRST
Magnitude	7.1 Ms [1]
Depth	33 km
Epicenter	30°01′N 57°47′E / 30.01°N 57.79°E / 30.01; 57.79
Areas affected	Iran
Max. intensity	MMI IX (Violent)
Casualties	1,500 dead 1,000 injured

This is the largest event in the Kerman province since the 1981 Golbaf earthquake that killed 3,000 people. The 2003 Bam earthquake was the most significant earthquake in the Kerman Province.