KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – A 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck parts of Afghanistan on Friday evening (February 20), shaking Kabul and several other provinces, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The quake occurred at 5:40pm local time (Friday, February 20) and was centered about 38 kilometers northwest of Bazarak, the capital of Panjshir province. The USGS said the earthquake struck at a depth of 90 kilometers.
In addition to Panjshir, tremors were felt in Kabul, the capital, as well as in Charikar, the centre of Parwan province, including Jabal Saraj district. Shaking was also reported in Pul-e-Khumri, the capital of Baghlan province, and in Nahrin district.
There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.
Afghanistan has experienced several deadly earthquakes over the past year. In the month of September, a powerful quake in eastern Kunar province killed around 2,000 people and caused widespread destruction. Another strong earthquake in the month of November, struck northern Afghanistan, leaving dozens dead and injured.
In previous years, the country has also suffered devastating tremors. In mid-October 2023, three major earthquakes measuring 6.3 in magnitude, followed by multiple aftershocks, hit Herat province in western Afghanistan, killing more than 2,000 people. Earlier, in July, a powerful earthquake in Paktika province destroyed hundreds of homes and left at least 1,000 people dead and about 3,000 injured.
Afghanistan lies in a seismically active region and is frequently hit by earthquakes, many of which cause significant loss of life due to vulnerable infrastructure and housing.
The crisis is further compounded by the ongoing return of Afghan refugees from neighbouring countries. Over the past two years, more than four million people have returned from Iran and Pakistan.
Natural disasters, prolonged drought, and a steep decline in international aid have intensified Afghanistan’s already severe humanitarian crisis, leaving millions at risk.
