Earthquakes in 1981 Approximate epicenters of the earthquakes in 1981
Strongest magnitude Western Samoa , (Magnitude 7.7) September 1Deadliest Iran 2 events each caused 3,000 deaths.Total fatalities 6,762 9.0+ 0 8.0–8.9 0 7.0–7.9 10 6.0–6.9 76 5.0–5.9 1,176 4.0–4.9 3,160
This is a list of earthquakes in 1981 . Earthquakes of less than magnitude 6 are not 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 Modified Mercalli intensity scale and are sourced from United States Geological Survey (USGS) ShakeMap data. 1981 was another year of below average activity. The number of magnitude 7.0+ events was higher than in 1980, but at 10 was still below normal. The largest event was a magnitude 7.7 which struck Samoa in September. Other areas impacted by large events were Greece , New Zealand , Mexico , and Chile . Out of the 6,700 deaths in 1981, the majority were in Iran . Over the summer there were two large events there, each causing 3,000 deaths. In January, Indonesia and China were struck by events which left a combined 450 deaths.
Rank Death toll Magnitude Location MMI Depth (km) Date 1 3,000 6.7 Iran , Kerman Province VIII (Severe ) 33.0 June 11 1 3,000 7.1 Iran , Kerman Province X (Extreme ) 33.0 July 28 2 305 6.7 Indonesia , Papua (province) VII (Very strong ) 33.0 January 19 3 220 6.2 Pakistan , Gilgit-Baltistan VI (Strong ) 33.0 September 12 4 150 6.8 China , Sichuan Province IX (Violent ) 33.0 January 23 5 22 6.7 Greece , Thessaly IX (Violent ) 33.0 February 24 6 15 5.4 Colombia , Norte de Santander Department VII (Very strong ) 53.6 October 18 7 12 4.6 Italy , Campania VIII (Severe ) 10.0 February 14 8 10 5.2 Peru , Huancavelica Region VI (Strong ) 23.7 June 22
Listed are earthquakes with at least 10 dead.
Rank Magnitude Death toll Location MMI Depth (km) Date 1 7.7 1 Western Samoa VI (Strong ) 25.0 September 1 2 7.6 0 New Zealand , off the south coast of South Island IV (Light ) 33.0 May 25 3 7.3 3 Mexico , Guerrero VIII (Severe ) 33.0 October 25 = 4 7.2 1 Chile , off the coast of Valparaíso Region VI (Strong ) 33.0 October 16 = 4 7.2 0 Greece , Aegean Sea VII (Very strong ) 10.0 December 19 = 5 7.1 3,000 Iran , Kerman Province X (Extreme ) 33.0 July 28 = 5 7.1 0 New Zealand , Kermadec Islands ( ) 33.0 December 26 = 6 7.0 0 United States , Near Islands , Alaska V (Moderate ) 33.0 January 30 = 6 7.0 0 France , southeast of the Loyalty Islands , New Caledonia ( ) 33.0 July 6 = 6 7.0 0 Vanuatu V (Moderate ) 30.0 July 15
Listed are earthquakes with at least 7.0 magnitude.
January Strongest magnitude 7.0 Mw United States Deadliest 6.8 Mw Indonesia 305 deaths Total fatalities 455 8.0–8.9 0 7.0–7.9 1 6.0–6.9 11 5.0–5.9 125 4.0–4.9 233
February Strongest magnitude 6.7 Mw 2 events reached this magnitude. Deadliest 6.7 Mw Greece 22 deaths Total fatalities 38 8.0–8.9 0 7.0–7.9 0 6.0–6.9 6 5.0–5.9 101 4.0–4.9 248
March Strongest magnitude 6.4 Mw 2 events reached this magnitude. Deadliest 5.6 Mw Greece 2 deaths Total fatalities 4 8.0–8.9 0 7.0–7.9 0 6.0–6.9 5 5.0–5.9 111 4.0–4.9 242
April Strongest magnitude 6.9 Mw Vanuatu Deadliest 5.3 Mw Peru 8 deaths Total fatalities 8 8.0–8.9 0 7.0–7.9 0 6.0–6.9 5 5.0–5.9 84 4.0–4.9 265
May Strongest magnitude 7.6 Mw New Zealand Total fatalities 0 8.0–8.9 0 7.0–7.9 1 6.0–6.9 5 5.0–5.9 97 4.0–4.9 247
June Strongest magnitude 6.7 Mw Iran Deadliest 6.7 Mw Iran 3,000 deaths Total fatalities 3,011 8.0–8.9 0 7.0–7.9 0 6.0–6.9 7 5.0–5.9 90 4.0–4.9 266
July Strongest magnitude 7.1 Mw Iran Deadliest 7.1 Mw Iran 3,000 deaths Total fatalities 3,000 8.0–8.9 0 7.0–7.9 3 6.0–6.9 3 5.0–5.9 100 4.0–4.9 343
August Strongest magnitude 6.0 Mw Soviet Union , Russia Total fatalities 0 8.0–8.9 0 7.0–7.9 0 6.0–6.9 1 5.0–5.9 78 4.0–4.9 283
September Strongest magnitude 7.7 Mw Western Samoa Deadliest 6.2 Mw Pakistan 220 deaths Total fatalities 221 8.0–8.9 0 7.0–7.9 1 6.0–6.9 9 5.0–5.9 102 4.0–4.9 309
Date Country and location Mw Depth (km) MMI Notes Casualties Dead Injured 1 [ 78] [ 79] [ 80] Western Samoa 7.7 25.0 VI Largest event in 1981 A tsunami was observed which swept ashore on some of the islands. At least 1 person drowned and some damage was caused. 1 3 [ 81] [ 82] Soviet Union , Kuril Islands , Russia 6.6 45.0 VI Some damage was caused. 4 [ 83] [ 84] Philippines , Bohol 6.0 644.5 VII 12 [ 85] [ 86] [ 87] Pakistan , Gilgit-Baltistan 6.2 33.0 VI During the 1981 Darel Valley earthquake , 220 people were killed and 2,500 were injured. Major damage was reported. Costs were at least $5 million (1981 rate). 220 2,500 13 [ 88] Soviet Union , East Kazakhstan Region , Kazakhstan 6.0 0.0 Nuclear test. 17 [ 89] France , southeast of the Loyalty Islands , New Caledonia 6.6 30.0
October Strongest magnitude 7.3 Mw Mexico Deadliest 5.4 Mw Colombia 15 deaths Total fatalities 19 8.0–8.9 0 7.0–7.9 2 6.0–6.9 8 5.0–5.9 91 4.0–4.9 229
November Strongest magnitude 6.9 Mw Papua New Guinea Total fatalities 0 8.0–8.9 0 7.0–7.9 0 6.0–6.9 11 5.0–5.9 96 4.0–4.9 226
December Strongest magnitude 7.2 Mw Greece Deadliest 4.6 Mw Pakistan 6 deaths Total fatalities 6 8.0–8.9 0 7.0–7.9 2 6.0–6.9 5 5.0–5.9 101 4.0–4.9 269
^ "M 6.9 - 101 km ESE of ?funato, Japan" . United States Geological Survey . January 18, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 6.9 - 101 km ESE of ?funato, Japan" . United States Geological Survey . January 18, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 6.7 - 268 km SW of Abepura, Indonesia" . United States Geological Survey . January 19, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 6.7 - 268 km SW of Abepura, Indonesia" . United States Geological Survey . January 19, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "Significant Earthquake: INDONESIA: NEW GUINEA: IRIAN JAYA: JAYAWIJAYA MTS" . National Geophysical Data Center . January 19, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 6.4 - 122 km E of Ishinomaki, Japan" . United States Geological Survey . January 22, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 6.3 - 29 km NW of Shizunai-furukawach?, Japan" . United States Geological Survey . January 23, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 6.3 - 29 km NW of Shizunai-furukawach?, Japan" . United States Geological Survey . January 23, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 6.8 - 131 km NW of Kangding, China" . United States Geological Survey . January 23, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 6.8 - 131 km NW of Kangding, China" . United States Geological Survey . January 23, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "Significant Earthquake: CHINA: SICHUAN PROVINCE" . National Geophysical Data Center . January 23, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 7.0 - 243 km ESE of Attu Station, Alaska" . United States Geological Survey . January 30, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 7.0 - 243 km ESE of Attu Station, Alaska" . United States Geological Survey . January 30, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 5.7 - 19 km N of El Abadia, Algeria" . United States Geological Survey . February 1, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 5.7 - 19 km N of El Abadia, Algeria" . United States Geological Survey . February 1, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 4.6 - 2 km NNE of Rotondi, Italy" . United States Geological Survey . February 14, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 4.6 - 2 km NNE of Rotondi, Italy" . United States Geological Survey . February 14, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "Significant Earthquake: ITALY: S" . National Geophysical Data Center . February 14, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 6.7 - 156 km E of Tadine, New Caledonia" . United States Geological Survey . February 17, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 4.7 - 25 km NNW of Klerksdorp, South Africa" . United States Geological Survey . February 18, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 4.7 - 25 km NNW of Klerksdorp, South Africa" . United States Geological Survey . February 18, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 6.7 - 5 km SW of Domvraína, Greece" . United States Geological Survey . February 24, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 6.7 - 5 km SW of Domvraína, Greece" . United States Geological Survey . February 24, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "Significant Earthquake: GREECE: ATHENS-EASTERN GULF OF CORINTH" . National Geophysical Data Center . February 24, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 6.4 - 13 km SSW of Kaparéllion, Greece" . United States Geological Survey . February 25, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 6.4 - 13 km SSW of Kaparéllion, Greece" . United States Geological Survey . February 25, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 6.4 - 3 km WSW of Erythrés, Greece" . United States Geological Survey . March 4, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 6.4 - 3 km WSW of Erythrés, Greece" . United States Geological Survey . March 4, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "Significant Earthquake: GREECE: ATHENS-CORINTH-KHALIS" . National Geophysical Data Center . March 4, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 5.5 - 2 km NNW of Vília, Greece" . United States Geological Survey . March 7, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 5.5 - 2 km NNW of Vília, Greece" . United States Geological Survey . March 7, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 5.6 - 16 km E of Paramythiá, Greece" . United States Geological Survey . March 10, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 5.6 - 16 km E of Paramythiá, Greece" . United States Geological Survey . March 10, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "Significant Earthquake: GREECE: PREVEZA" . National Geophysical Data Center . March 10, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 6.2 - 27 km WSW of San Antonio, Chile" . United States Geological Survey . March 23, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 6.2 - 27 km WSW of San Antonio, Chile" . United States Geological Survey . March 23, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 5.3 - 4 km WSW of Ticllas, Peru" . United States Geological Survey . April 18, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 5.3 - 4 km WSW of Ticllas, Peru" . United States Geological Survey . April 18, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 6.9 - 132 km WNW of Sola, Vanuatu" . United States Geological Survey . April 24, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 6.9 - 132 km WNW of Sola, Vanuatu" . United States Geological Survey . April 24, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 5.8 - 6km N of Westmorland, CA" . United States Geological Survey . April 26, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 5.8 - 6km N of Westmorland, CA" . United States Geological Survey . April 26, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "Significant Earthquake: CALIFORNIA: WESTMORLAND,CALIPATRIA" . National Geophysical Data Center . April 26, 1981. Retrieved June 25, 2021 . ^ "M 6.3 - 54 km SW of Ashk?sham, Afghanistan" . United States Geological Survey . May 2, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 6.3 - 54 km SW of Ashk?sham, Afghanistan" . United States Geological Survey . May 2, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 6.4 - 37 km NNE of Salinas, Ecuador" . United States Geological Survey . May 6, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 6.4 - 37 km NNE of Salinas, Ecuador" . United States Geological Survey . May 6, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 7.6 - off the west coast of the South Island of New Zealand" . United States Geological Survey . May 25, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 7.6 - off the west coast of the South Island of New Zealand" . United States Geological Survey . May 25, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 5.0 - 1 km W of Monastiráki, Greece" . United States Geological Survey . May 27, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 5.0 - 1 km W of Monastiráki, Greece" . United States Geological Survey . May 27, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 6.0 - 141 km E of Kimbe, Papua New Guinea" . United States Geological Survey . May 28, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 6.0 - 141 km E of Kimbe, Papua New Guinea" . United States Geological Survey . May 28, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 6.0 - 31 km SE of Hihifo, Tonga" . United States Geological Survey . June 1, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 4.9 - 4 km SSW of Petrosino, Italy" . United States Geological Survey . June 7, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 4.9 - 4 km SSW of Petrosino, Italy" . United States Geological Survey . June 7, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 6.0 - Southern Qinghai, China" . United States Geological Survey . June 9, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 6.0 - Southern Qinghai, China" . United States Geological Survey . June 9, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 6.7 - 73 km SE of Kerman, Iran" . United States Geological Survey . June 11, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 6.7 - 73 km SE of Kerman, Iran" . United States Geological Survey . June 11, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "Significant Earthquake: IRAN: SE: GOLBAFT" . National Geophysical Data Center . June 11, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 5.5 - 19 km WSW of A?bak, Afghanistan" . United States Geological Survey . June 13, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 5.5 - 19 km WSW of A?bak, Afghanistan" . United States Geological Survey . June 13, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 5.2 - 15 km SW of Antaparco, Peru" . United States Geological Survey . June 22, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 5.2 - 15 km SW of Antaparco, Peru" . United States Geological Survey . June 22, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "Significant Earthquake: PERU: CENTRAL" . National Geophysical Data Center . June 22, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 7.0 - southeast of the Loyalty Islands" . United States Geological Survey . July 6, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 7.0 - 92 km NW of Port-Vila, Vanuatu" . United States Geological Survey . July 15, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 7.0 - 92 km NW of Port-Vila, Vanuatu" . United States Geological Survey . July 15, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 5.6 - 16 km NE of Oshnav?yeh, Iran" . United States Geological Survey . July 23, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 5.6 - 16 km NE of Oshnav?yeh, Iran" . United States Geological Survey . July 23, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 7.1 - 75 km ESE of Kerman, Iran" . United States Geological Survey . July 28, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 7.1 - 75 km ESE of Kerman, Iran" . United States Geological Survey . July 28, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "Significant Earthquake: IRAN: SE, KERMAN" . National Geophysical Data Center . July 28, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 5.5 - Bosnia and Herzegovina" . United States Geological Survey . August 13, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 5.5 - Bosnia and Herzegovina" . United States Geological Survey . August 13, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "Significant Earthquake: BALKANS NW: BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA: BANJA LUKA" . National Geophysical Data Center . August 13, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 7.7 - 133 km NE of Hihifo, Tonga" . United States Geological Survey . September 1, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 7.7 - 133 km NE of Hihifo, Tonga" . United States Geological Survey . September 1, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "Tsunami Event: SAMOA ISLANDS" . National Geophysical Data Center . September 1, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 6.6 - 31 km SE of Shikotan, Russia" . United States Geological Survey . September 3, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 6.6 - 31 km SE of Shikotan, Russia" . United States Geological Survey . September 3, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 6.0 - 1 km ENE of Clarin, Philippines" . United States Geological Survey . September 4, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 6.0 - 1 km ENE of Clarin, Philippines" . United States Geological Survey . September 4, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 6.2 - 69 km WSW of Gilgit, Pakistan" . United States Geological Survey . September 12, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 6.2 - 69 km WSW of Gilgit, Pakistan" . United States Geological Survey . September 12, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "Significant Earthquake: PAKISTAN: GILGIT" . National Geophysical Data Center . September 12, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 6.0 Nuclear Explosion - 100 km SSE of Kurchatov, Kazakhstan" . United States Geological Survey . September 13, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 6.6 - 291 km ESE of Tadine, New Caledonia" . United States Geological Survey . September 17, 1981. Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ "M 6.3 - 81 km NNE of Madang, Papua New Guinea" . United States Geological Survey . October 4, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "M 6.3 - 81 km NNE of Madang, Papua New Guinea" . United States Geological Survey . October 4, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "M 6.4 - 54 km NNE of Kirakira, Solomon Islands" . United States Geological Survey . October 9, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "M 6.4 - 54 km NNE of Kirakira, Solomon Islands" . United States Geological Survey . October 9, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "M 6.0 - 71 km NNE of Miyako, Japan" . United States Geological Survey . October 15, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "M 6.0 - 71 km NNE of Miyako, Japan" . United States Geological Survey . October 15, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "M 7.2 - 135 km W of Valparaíso, Chile" . United States Geological Survey . October 16, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "M 7.2 - 135 km W of Valparaíso, Chile" . United States Geological Survey . October 16, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "Significant Earthquake: CHILE: OFF CENTRAL COAST, LAS CRUCES" . National Geophysical Data Center . October 16, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "M 6.0 Nuclear Explosion - 100 km SSE of Kurchatov, Kazakhstan" . United States Geological Survey . October 18, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "M 5.4 - 12 km SW of La Esperanza, Colombia" . United States Geological Survey . October 18, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "M 5.4 - 12 km SW of La Esperanza, Colombia" . United States Geological Survey . October 18, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "Significant Earthquake: VENEZUELA-N COLOMBIA" . National Geophysical Data Center . October 18, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "M 7.3 - 7 km NNE of Petacalco, Mexico" . United States Geological Survey . October 25, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "M 7.3 - 7 km NNE of Petacalco, Mexico" . United States Geological Survey . October 25, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "Significant Earthquake: MEXICO: MICHOACAN: LAZARO CARDENAS" . National Geophysical Data Center . October 25, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "M 6.3 - 26 km SSE of Pangai, Tonga" . United States Geological Survey . November 4, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "M 6.3 - 26 km SSE of Pangai, Tonga" . United States Geological Survey . November 4, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "M 6.9 - 17 km E of Wewak, Papua New Guinea" . United States Geological Survey . November 6, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "M 6.9 - 17 km E of Wewak, Papua New Guinea" . United States Geological Survey . November 6, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "M 6.8 - 29 km NNW of La Ligua, Chile" . United States Geological Survey . November 7, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "M 6.8 - 29 km NNW of La Ligua, Chile" . United States Geological Survey . November 7, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "M 5.5 - 32 km WSW of Nangong, China" . United States Geological Survey . November 8, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "M 5.5 - 32 km WSW of Nangong, China" . United States Geological Survey . November 8, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "M 5.3 - 53 km SW of Aswan, Egypt" . United States Geological Survey . November 14, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "M 5.3 - 53 km SW of Aswan, Egypt" . United States Geological Survey . November 14, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "Significant Earthquake: EGYPT: ASWAN" . National Geophysical Data Center . November 14, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "M 6.5 - 21 km NNE of Pagudpud, Philippines" . United States Geological Survey . November 22, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "M 6.5 - 21 km NNE of Pagudpud, Philippines" . United States Geological Survey . November 22, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "M 6.7 - southeast of the Loyalty Islands" . United States Geological Survey . November 24, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "M 4.6 - 12 km ENE of Mastung, Pakistan" . United States Geological Survey . December 12, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "M 4.6 - 12 km ENE of Mastung, Pakistan" . United States Geological Survey . December 12, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "Significant Earthquake: PAKISTAN: CENTRAL" . National Geophysical Data Center . December 12, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "M 7.2 - 61 km W of Eresós, Greece" . United States Geological Survey . December 19, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "M 7.2 - 61 km W of Eresós, Greece" . United States Geological Survey . December 19, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "Significant Earthquake: GREECE: AEGEAN SEA: LESBOS, SKIROS" . National Geophysical Data Center . December 19, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "M 6.8 - Kermadec Islands, New Zealand" . United States Geological Survey . December 24, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "M 7.1 - Kermadec Islands, New Zealand" . United States Geological Survey . December 24, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "M 6.2 Nuclear Explosion - 97 km SSE of Kurchatov, Kazakhstan" . United States Geological Survey . December 27, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "M 6.5 - 29 km E of Skýros, Greece" . United States Geological Survey . December 27, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 . ^ "M 6.5 - 29 km E of Skýros, Greece" . United States Geological Survey . December 27, 1981. Retrieved June 27, 2021 .
† indicates earthquake resulting in at least 30 deaths ‡ indicates the deadliest earthquake of the year