M4.9 Earthquake 54 km SSW of Ashkāsham, Afghanistan — November 20, 2025
2025-11-20 21:39:13 UTC (2025-11-20) · approx. 2:39 AM UTC+5 local
On November 20, 2025 at 21:39 UTC, a magnitude 4.9 intermediate depth earthquake struck 54 km SSW of Ashkāsham, Afghanistan, at a depth of 113.7 km and coordinates 36.2397°, 71.2672°. This earthquake was detected by 90 seismic stations with excellent location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 369, placing it among routine seismic activity.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.9 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 338 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 1.4 km — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.
The epicenter is located in Afghanistan, a region characterized by the Hindu Kush deep seismic zone, where remnant subducted lithosphere produces intermediate-depth earthquakes at 150-300 km. View all earthquakes in Afghanistan.
Learn more: Magnitude scale · Aftershock sequences
Earthquake Details
71.2672°E
Technical Information
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Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.9 earthquake near Ashkāsham, Afghanistan?
The magnitude 4.9 earthquake that struck 54 km SSW of Ashkāsham, Afghanistan on November 20, 2025 at 21:39 UTC had a depth of 113.7 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.
Where did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake epicenter was located at 36.2397°, 71.2672°, which is 54 km SSW of Ashkāsham, Afghanistan. View all earthquakes in Afghanistan.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 4.9 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.
Has Afghanistan had earthquakes this big before?
The largest recorded earthquake in Afghanistan was the M7.5 Hindu Kush earthquake of October 26, 2015. Today's magnitude 4.9 event is significantly smaller than that historical record.
What should I do after an earthquake?
If you were in the affected area: check yourself and others for injuries, inspect your home for damage, and be prepared for aftershocks. For detailed guidance, see our earthquake safety guide and emergency planning resources.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us6000rpg9). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2025, November 20, 2025). M4.9 Earthquake 54 km SSW of Ashkāsham, Afghanistan — November 20, 2025. Retrieved May 25, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000rpg9/