It was the largest earthquake in Iran within the last 40 years , equal in magnitude to the one that shook Tabas in 1978 killing 15,000 , and possibly the largest in the last half-century . The earthquake followed a magnitude 6.3 event near Bushehr . The town of Mashkel was close to the quake 's epicentre , and around 85 percent of the city 's buildings were demolished . Thirty-five people were killed in the earthquake
shook Tabas
1978 Tabas earthquake
2013 Saravan earthquake