M 5.4 Moderate Earthquake Strikes Near Ishqoshim, Tajikistan

What Happened

A moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 5.4 (mww) was recorded on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 03:12:06 UTC. The seismic event was centered approximately 28 kilometers north-northwest of Ishqoshim, Tajikistan.

Location Details

The earthquake occurred at coordinates 36.9655°N and 71.5126°E. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the event originated at a depth of 104.233 kilometers. This is classified as a deep earthquake, as it occurred at a depth greater than 70 km. Deep-focus earthquakes typically cause less intense shaking at the surface compared to shallow events of the same magnitude.

Impact Assessment

There is currently no tsunami advisory, watch, or warning in effect following this event. No felt reports have been submitted to the USGS at this time, and no specific alert level color has been assigned to the event in the source data.

What You Should Know

A magnitude 5.4 event is considered a moderate earthquake. While such events can cause damage to poorly constructed buildings, the significant depth of this particular earthquake often mitigates the intensity of shaking felt at the surface. Residents in the region should remain aware of the possibility of aftershocks and follow standard safety protocols, such as ‘Drop, Cover, and Hold On’ if shaking occurs.

Source

Information provided by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).