M 5.1 Moderate Earthquake Recorded Near Farkhār, Afghanistan

Earthquakes medium USGS · · Afghanistan

A moderate 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck 20 km east-southeast of Farkhār, Afghanistan, on March 7, 2026. The deep seismic event occurred at a depth of 197 km.

What Happened

A moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 5.1 mww occurred on March 7, 2026, at 18:24:35 UTC. The event was centered approximately 20 km east-southeast of Farkhār, Afghanistan, at a depth of 197.1 km.

Location Details

The earthquake’s epicenter was located at coordinates 36.486°N, 70.0616°E. This event is classified as a deep earthquake, as it occurred at a depth significantly greater than 70 km. Deep earthquakes are typically felt over a broader geographic area but often result in less intense surface shaking compared to shallow earthquakes of the same magnitude.

Impact Assessment

According to the USGS, there has been 1 felt report recorded with a Community Decimal Intensity (CDI) of 2.5. There is no tsunami advisory associated with this inland event. No specific alert level color has been assigned in the source data.

What You Should Know

A magnitude 5.1 event is classified as a moderate earthquake. While these can cause damage to poorly constructed buildings, the significant depth of this tremor likely mitigated surface impacts. Residents in the region should remain aware of the possibility of aftershocks. In the event of further shaking, remember to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.”

Source

Information provided by the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.

Source: USGS Official Notice