M4.5 Earthquake Jurm, Afghanistan

On January 22, 2026 at 15:30 UTC, a magnitude 4.5 intermediate depth earthquake struck 52 km S of Jurm, Afghanistan, at a depth of 179.0 km and coordinates 36.3881°, 70.8205°. This earthquake was detected by 48 seismic stations with excellent location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 312, placing it among routine seismic activity.

Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.5 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 85 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 767 m — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.

This earthquake is part of an ongoing aftershock sequence following the magnitude 5.4 mainshock that occurred 27 days ago 38 km S of Jurm, Afghanistan. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 2 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

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 4.5 earthquake near Jurm, Afghanistan?

The magnitude 4.5 earthquake that struck 52 km S of Jurm, Afghanistan on January 22, 2026 at 15:30 UTC had a depth of 179.0 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.

Where did the earthquake occur?

The earthquake epicenter was located at 36.3881°, 70.8205°, which is 52 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 4.5 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.

Is this the same earthquake as the M5.4 one earlier?

No. This magnitude 4.5 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.4 mainshock that occurred earlier 38 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 4.5 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.

M4.5 Earthquake 52 km S of Jurm, Afghanistan — January 22, 2026

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