SOCIETY — April 18, 2026
Two Earthquakes Hit Northeastern Afghanistan, USGS Says
Two earthquakes with magnitudes of 5.3 and 4.5 struck near Jurm in Afghanistan's Badakhshan Province on Saturday, the USGS reported. No casualties or damage were reported though tremors were felt in Kabul causing brief concern but no panic.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Khaama Press — 2 min read
Two earthquakes struck northeastern Afghanistan on Saturday.
According to the United States Geological Survey, the first earthquake had a magnitude of 5.3 and struck at a depth of nearly 199 kilometers. The epicenter was located about 27 kilometers south of Jurm district in Badakhshan Province.
A second earthquake with a magnitude of 4.5 struck at a depth of about 186 kilometers and was located roughly 34 kilometers from Jurm.
There are no immediate reports of any casualties or damage. Assessments indicate limited or no damage from the events.
The tremors from the earthquakes were felt in Kabul causing brief concern among residents. However there was no panic or disruption of activities.
Authorities are monitoring the situation. The United States Geological Survey provided the data on the magnitudes depths and locations of the earthquakes that struck on Saturday. This information has helped confirm that the events caused no major problems for residents based on currently available reports.
Read the original reporting at Khaama Press →
Reliability assessment
Single source directly attributes concrete, checkable details (magnitudes, depths, precise locations, timing) to USGS; core event of the earthquakes is corroborated by official seismic data with no contradictions present.
The source language reads straight.
Independent web corroboration
A separate web search returned 8 matching reports. A selection:
- M 4.5 - 34 km S of Jurm, Afghanistanearthquake.usgs.gov
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5.3-magnitude earthquake strikes northeastern Afghanistan
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Society — Earthquakes, Badakhshan, USGS, Natural Disaster, Kabul
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