M5.3 Earthquake 27 km S of Jurm, Afghanistan — April 18, 2026
2026-04-18 02:54:20 UTC (1 day ago)
Felt by 5 people across nearby locations. Aftershock of the M5.8 mainshock.
On April 18, 2026 at 02:54 UTC, a magnitude 5.3 intermediate depth earthquake struck 27 km S of Jurm, Afghanistan, at a depth of 198.8 km and coordinates 36.6199°, 70.7871°. This earthquake was detected by 63 seismic stations with excellent location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 434, placing it among routine seismic activity.
This earthquake is part of an ongoing aftershock sequence following the magnitude 5.8 mainshock that occurred 15 days ago 35 km S of Jurm, Afghanistan. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 6 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for days to weeks as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.
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
70.7871°E
Technical Information
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Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 5.3 earthquake near Jurm, Afghanistan?
The magnitude 5.3 earthquake that struck 27 km S of Jurm, Afghanistan on April 18, 2026 at 02:54 UTC had a depth of 198.8 km. For context, this was a moderate earthquake that could be widely felt.
Where did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake epicenter was located at 36.6199°, 70.7871°, which is 27 km S of Jurm, Afghanistan. View all earthquakes in Afghanistan.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 5.3 earthquakes can continue for days to weeks and gradually diminish over time.
Is this the same earthquake as the M5.8 one earlier?
No. This magnitude 5.3 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.8 mainshock that occurred earlier 35 km S of Jurm, Afghanistan. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.
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 5.3 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.