Overview

• The GFZ recorded a 5.2 magnitude tremor 35 kilometers southwest of Semnan at a depth of 10 kilometers on June 20.
• The quake’s shallow focus raises alarms over potential damage to Semnan’s historic architecture and regional infrastructure.
• This event follows a magnitude 4.2 earthquake near Kashmar on June 19 and another 4.2 tremor near Borazjan on June 17.
• Iran averages about 2,100 earthquakes per year, with roughly 15 reaching magnitude 5 or higher, reflecting its Alpine belt geology.
• Iranian authorities have enforced seismic building codes and emergency response plans to reduce quake impacts, though their effectiveness is under renewed scrutiny.