This is a list of earthquakes in 1979. Only earthquakes of magnitude 6 or above are included, unless they result in damage and/or casualties, or are notable for some other reason. Events in remote areas will not be listed but included in statistics and maps. Countries are entered on the lists in order of their status in this particular year. All dates are listed according to UTC time. Maximum intensities are indicated on the Mercalli intensity scale and are sourced from United States Geological Survey (USGS) ShakeMap data. A fairly quiet year once again although there was a number of events which caused significant fatalities. The largest of only 8 magnitude 7.0+ events reached 7.9 and struck Indonesia in September. Ecuador was affected by a magnitude 8.2 in December which left 600 people dead. Other areas suffering from deadly events included Iran, Colombia, Indonesia and present day Montenegro.
Quick Facts Strongest magnitude, Deadliest ...
Earthquakes in 1979Approximate epicenters of the earthquakes in 1979
|
Strongest magnitude | Indonesia, Yapen (Magnitude 7.9) September 12 |
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Deadliest | Ecuador, off the coast of (Magnitude 8.2), December 12 600 deaths |
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Total fatalities | 1,649 |
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|
9.0+ | 0 |
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8.0–8.9 | 1 |
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7.0–7.9 | 7 |
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6.0–6.9 | 86 |
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5.0–5.9 | 1,374 |
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4.0–4.9 | 2,973 |
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|
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More information Rank, Death toll ...
Rank |
Death toll |
Magnitude |
Location |
MMI |
Depth (km) |
Date |
1 |
600 |
7.7 |
Ecuador, off the coast of Esmeraldas Province |
IX (Violent)
|
24.0 |
December 12 |
2 |
350 |
6.6 |
Iran, South Khorasan Province |
VIII (Severe)
|
33.0 |
November 14 |
3 |
200 |
6.7 |
Iran, South Khorasan Province |
VIII (Severe)
|
33.0 |
January 16 |
4 |
131 |
6.9 |
Yugoslavia, Bar Municipality, Montenegro |
X (Extreme)
|
10.0 |
April 15 |
5 |
115 |
7.9 |
Indonesia, Yapen |
VIII (Severe)
|
5.0 |
September 12 |
6 |
72 |
6.4 |
Colombia, Valle del Cauca Department |
IX (Violent)
|
108.0 |
November 23 |
7 |
42 |
5.5 |
China, Jiangsu Province |
VIII (Severe)
|
11.0 |
July 9 |
8 |
30 |
6.1 |
Indonesia, West Java |
VI (Strong)
|
62.0 |
November 2 |
9 |
27 |
6.3 |
Indonesia, Bali |
VI (Strong)
|
33.0 |
December 17 |
10 |
22 |
6.1 |
Indonesia, Bali |
V (Moderate)
|
25.0 |
May 30 |
11 |
18 |
6.9 |
Peru, Arequipa Region |
VII (Very strong)
|
53.0 |
February 16 |
12 |
17 |
7.1 |
Iran, South Khorasan Province |
VIII (Severe)
|
10.0 |
November 27 |
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Listed are earthquakes with at least 10 dead.
More information Rank, Magnitude ...
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Listed are earthquakes with at least 7.0 magnitude.
January
Quick Facts Strongest magnitude, Deadliest ...
JanuaryStrongest magnitude | 6.7 Mw Iran |
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Deadliest | 6.7 Mw Iran 200 deaths |
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Total fatalities | 200 |
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|
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
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7.0–7.9 | 0 |
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6.0–6.9 | 8 |
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5.0–5.9 | 105 |
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4.0–4.9 | 214 |
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February
Quick Facts Strongest magnitude, Deadliest ...
FebruaryStrongest magnitude | 7.1 Mw United States |
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Deadliest | 6.9 Mw Peru 18 deaths |
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Total fatalities | 18 |
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|
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
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7.0–7.9 | 1 |
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6.0–6.9 | 7 |
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5.0–5.9 | 111 |
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4.0–4.9 | 192 |
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March
Quick Facts Strongest magnitude, Deadliest ...
MarchStrongest magnitude | 7.6 Mw Mexico |
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Deadliest | 7.6 Mw Mexico 5 deaths |
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Total fatalities | 5 |
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|
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
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7.0–7.9 | 1 |
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6.0–6.9 | 7 |
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5.0–5.9 | 121 |
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4.0–4.9 | 304 |
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April
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May
Quick Facts Strongest magnitude, Deadliest ...
MayStrongest magnitude | 6.4 Mw 2 events reached this magnitude. |
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Deadliest | 6.1 Mw Indonesia 22 deaths |
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Total fatalities | 22 |
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|
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
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7.0–7.9 | 0 |
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6.0–6.9 | 9 |
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5.0–5.9 | 132 |
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4.0–4.9 | 270 |
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June
Quick Facts Strongest magnitude, Total fatalities ...
JuneStrongest magnitude | 6.3 Mw 2 events reached this magnitude. |
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Total fatalities | 0 |
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|
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
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7.0–7.9 | 0 |
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6.0–6.9 | 7 |
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5.0–5.9 | 108 |
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4.0–4.9 | 233 |
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July
Quick Facts Strongest magnitude, Deadliest ...
JulyStrongest magnitude | 6.9 Mw Indonesia |
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Deadliest | 5.5 Mw China, 42 deaths |
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Total fatalities | 42 |
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|
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
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7.0–7.9 | 0 |
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6.0–6.9 | 5 |
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5.0–5.9 | 111 |
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4.0–4.9 | 255 |
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More information Date, Country and location ...
Date |
Country and location |
Mw |
Depth (km) |
MMI |
Notes |
Casualties |
Dead |
Injured |
1[69][70][71] | Panama, Chiriqui Province | 6.5 | 28.0 | VII
| $2 million (1979 rate) in damage were reported. | | |
4[72][73] | Soviet Union, Kuril Islands, Russia | 6.0 | 78.0 | V
| | | |
9[74][75][76] | China, Jiangsu Province | 5.5 | 11.0 | VIII
| Despite being a moderate magnitude there was extensive damage caused by this event. 42 people were killed and 2,987 were injured. 113,909 rooms (homes) were destroyed and 272,884 were damaged. 11 bridges were damaged. | 42 | 2,987 |
18[77][78][79] | Turkey, Balikesir Province | 5.2 | 10.0 | VI
| 200 homes were destroyed. | | |
24[80] | Indonesia, south of Java | 6.9 | 31.0 |
| | | |
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August
Quick Facts Strongest magnitude, Total fatalities ...
AugustStrongest magnitude | 7.1 Mw Philippines |
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Total fatalities | 0 |
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|
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
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7.0–7.9 | 1 |
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6.0–6.9 | 9 |
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5.0–5.9 | 94 |
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4.0–4.9 | 284 |
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More information Date, Country and location ...
Date |
Country and location |
Mw |
Depth (km) |
MMI |
Notes |
Casualties |
Dead |
Injured |
4[81] | Soviet Union, East Kazakhstan Region, Kazakhstan | 6.1 | 0.0 |
| Nuclear test. | | |
6[82][83] | United States, northern California | 5.8 | 8.3 | VIII
| 16 injuries were caused by the 1979 Coyote Lake earthquake. Some damage was caused in the area. Costs were $500,000 (1979 rate). | | 16 |
16[84] | North Korea, off the northeast coast | 6.1 | 588.0 |
| | | |
17[85][86] | New Hebrides, Vanuatu | 6.1 | 17.0 | V
| | | |
18[87] | Soviet Union, East Kazakhstan Region, Kazakhstan | 6.1 | 0.0 |
| Nuclear test. | | |
20[88][89] | Afghanistan, Badakhshan Province | 6.1 | 229.0 | IV
| | | |
24[90][91] | Costa Rica, Puntarenas Province | 6.4 | 40.0 | VI
| | | |
24[92][93][94] | China, western Inner Mongolia | 5.9 | 33.0 | VI
| 104 people were injured and 400 homes were destroyed. | | 104 |
26[95][96] | New Hebrides, Vanuatu | 6.0 | 10.0 | IV
| | | |
26[97][98] | Philippines, Babuyan Islands | 7.1 | 15.0 | VI
| | | |
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September
Quick Facts Strongest magnitude, Deadliest ...
SeptemberStrongest magnitude | 7.9 Mw Indonesia |
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Deadliest | 7.9 Mw Indonesia 115 deaths |
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Total fatalities | 120 |
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|
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
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7.0–7.9 | 1 |
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6.0–6.9 | 2 |
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5.0–5.9 | 105 |
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4.0–4.9 | 233 |
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October
Quick Facts Strongest magnitude, Deadliest ...
OctoberStrongest magnitude | 7.4 Mw New Zealand |
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Deadliest | 6.8 Mw Guatemala 4 deaths |
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Total fatalities | 6 |
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|
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
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7.0–7.9 | 2 |
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6.0–6.9 | 9 |
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5.0–5.9 | 141 |
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4.0–4.9 | 242 |
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More information Date, Country and location ...
Date |
Country and location |
Mw |
Depth (km) |
MMI |
Notes |
Casualties |
Dead |
Injured |
9[107][108][109] | Guatemala, Jutiapa Department | 5.0 | 33.0 | VII
| 40 people were hurt and some damage was caused. | | 40 |
12[110][111] | New Zealand, off the south coast of South Island | 7.4 | 33.0 | V
| | | |
15[112][113][114] | Mexico, Baja California | 6.4 | 15.0 | X
| The 1979 Imperial Valley earthquake caused major damage in the area. 91 people were injured. Extensive damage was caused to buildings and infrastructure. Costs were $30 million (1979 rate). | | 91 |
17[115][116] | Indonesia, Biak | 6.0 | 33.0 | VI
| Aftershock of September 12 event. | | |
20[117][118][119] | Indonesia, Bali | 6.2 | 38.0 | VI
| 2 people were killed and 40 were hurt. Some damage was caused. | 2 | 40 |
23[120][121] | Solomon Islands, Makira | 7.1 | 22.0 | VII
| | | |
27[122][123][124] | Guatemala, offshore Escuintla Department | 6.8 | 58.0 |
rowspan="2"| 4 deaths were caused as well as 20 injuries in El Salvador. 3 people were hurt in Guatemala. Some damage was caused. Doublet earthquake. | 4 | 23 |
27[125][126] | Guatemala, offshore Escuintla Department | 6.6 | 65.0 | VI
| | |
28[127] | Soviet Union, East Kazakhstan Region, Kazakhstan | 6.0 | 0.0 |
| Nuclear test. | | |
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November
Quick Facts Strongest magnitude, Deadliest ...
NovemberStrongest magnitude | 7.1 Mw Iran |
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Deadliest | 6.6 Mw Iran 350 deaths |
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Total fatalities | 470 |
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|
8.0–8.9 | 0 |
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7.0–7.9 | 1 |
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6.0–6.9 | 11 |
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5.0–5.9 | 99 |
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4.0–4.9 | 231 |
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More information Date, Country and location ...
Date |
Country and location |
Mw |
Depth (km) |
MMI |
Notes |
Casualties |
Dead |
Injured |
2[128][129] | New Hebrides, Vanuatu | 6.1 | 33.0 | VI
| | | |
2[130][131][132] | Indonesia, West Java | 6.1 | 62.0 | VI
| 30 people were killed and 200 were injured. Damage costs of $16 million (1979 rate) were reported. | 30 | 200 |
6[133][134][135] | Greece, Epirus (region) | 5.4 | 40.0 | VIII
| 1 person died and 3 were injured. Major damage was caused. | 1 | 3 |
6[136][137] | Solomon Islands | 6.1 | 30.0 | V
| | | |
9[138][139] | New Hebrides, Vanuatu | 6.1 | 45.0 | VI
| | | |
13[140][141] | Indonesia, off the south coast of Sumatra | 6.3 | 47.0 | IV
| | | |
13[142] | Tonga | 6.6 | 32.0 |
| | | |
14[143][144][145] | Iran, South Khorasan Province | 6.6 | 33.0 | VIII
| Foreshock to the 1979 Ghaenat earthquakes mainshock on November 27. 350 deaths were caused along with major damage. | 350 | |
16[146][147][148] | Fiji | 6.9 | 33.0 | VIII
| Some damage was reported. | | |
19[149][150] | Philippines, Mindanao | 6.1 | 85.0 | V
| | | |
23[151][152][153] | Colombia, Valle del Cauca Department | 6.4 | 108.0 | IX
| 72 people were killed and 600 were injured. $20 million (1979 rate) in damage was reported. | 72 | 600 |
27[154][155][156] | Iran, South Khorasan Province | 7.1 | 10.0 | VIII
| In the 1979 Ghaenat earthquakes, 17 people died and 24 were injured. Major damage was caused. | 17 | 24 |
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December
Quick Facts Strongest magnitude, Deadliest ...
DecemberStrongest magnitude | 8.2 Mw Ecuador |
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Deadliest | 8.2 Mw Ecuador 600 deaths |
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Total fatalities | 635 |
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|
8.0–8.9 | 1 |
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7.0–7.9 | 0 |
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6.0–6.9 | 6 |
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5.0–5.9 | 138 |
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4.0–4.9 | 224 |
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More information Date, Country and location ...
Date |
Country and location |
Mw |
Depth (km) |
MMI |
Notes |
Casualties |
Dead |
Injured |
2[157] | Soviet Union, East Kazakhstan Region, Kazakhstan | 6.0 | 0.0 |
| Nuclear test. | | |
7[158][159][160] | Iran, South Khorasan Province | 6.0 | 31.0 | VIII
| Aftershock of November 27 event. Further damage was reported. | | |
12[161][162][163] | Ecuador, off the coast of Esmeraldas Province | 8.2 | 24.0 | IX
| Deadliest event of 1979. 600 people were killed in the 1979 Tumaco earthquake and a tsunami which was generated. 20,000 people were injured. 10,000 homes were destroyed and costs reached $8 million (1979 rate). | 600 | 20,000 |
15[164][165][166] | Indonesia, southern Sumatra | 6.6 | 33.0 | VII
| 8 people were killed and 162 were hurt. 2,500 homes were destroyed. | 8 | 162 |
17[167][168][169] | Indonesia, off the east coast of Bali | 6.3 | 33.0 | VI
| The 1979 Bali earthquake left 27 people dead and 200 were injured. Some damage was caused. | 27 | 200 |
23[170] | Soviet Union, East Kazakhstan Region, Kazakhstan | 6.0 | 0.0 |
| Nuclear test. | | |
26[171][172] | United Kingdom, Cumbria, England | 4.5 | 10.0 | VI
| Some minor damage was caused in the area. | | |
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