In the evening of Wednesday October 16th, 2024, a significant Magnitude 5.9 earthquake hit under land 62 kilometer from Fayzabad in Afghanistan. Shaking may have been felt by a total of 14 million people. Tajikistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan are also near its epicenter.
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Earthquake Summary
The earthquake struck on land in Afghanistan, 62 kilometer (39 mi) south of Fayzabad in Badakhshan. The center of this earthquake had an intermediate depth of 203 km.
Date and Time: | Oct 16, 2024 11:26PM (Kabul Time) - Oct 16, 2024 18:56 Universal Time. |
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Location: | 62 km south of Fayzabad, Badakhshan, Afghanistan. Coordinates 36°33'39"N 70°35'25"E. |
Map: | Map of area around epicenter. Click to open in Google Maps. |
Magnitude: | MAG 5.9 Detected by 66 stations. Maximum Error Range ±0.038 . |
Depth: | 203 km (126 mi) An intermediate depth. |
Max. Intensity: | IV
Light On the Modified Mercalli Scale. |
Tsunami Risk: | Tsunami very unlikely Tsunami's are usually caused by MAG-6.5+ earthquakes, less than 100km shallow, and with an epicenter under sea. Neither of this seems to be the case. Always stay cautious - More info here. |
Minimal impact predicted
Based on scientific estimates by the US Geographic Survey (USGS), the risk of high fatalities for this earthquake is classified at level GREEN (low). They expect an 65% likelyhood of between 0 and 1 fatalities, and a 96% chance that the number of fatalities falls no higher than 10.
The USGS classifies the economic impact of this earthquake at level GREEN (low). They expect an 65% likelyhood of between 0 and 1 million US Dollars in economic damage and impact, and a 96% chance that the economic impact of this earthquake falls no higher than 10 million USD.
Roughly 14 million people exposed to shaking
This earthquake may have been felt by around 14 million people. That is the expected population size of the area exposed to a level of shaking of II or higher on the Modified Mercalli scale according to the USGS.
An estimated 11,230,000 people were exposed to level III. At this level, weak shaking and probably no damage can be expected.
People in 3 countries have been exposed to shaking. Roughly 6.3 million people were exposed to shaking in Afghanistan , with level III (weak shaking, probably no damage) as the highest recorded. In Pakistan , around 5 million people. In Tajikistan , around 3.2 million people.
People | MMI Level | Shaking | Damage |
---|---|---|---|
0 | I |
Not noticable | None |
3,257,000 | II |
Very weak | None |
11,230,000 | III |
Weak | Probably none |
0 | IV |
Light | Likely none |
0 | V |
Moderate | Very light |
0 | VI |
Strong | Light |
0 | VII |
Very Strong | Moderate |
0 | VIII |
Severe | Moderate to heavy |
0 | IX |
Violent | Heavy |
0 | X |
Extreme | Very heavy |
Nearby towns and cities
This earthquake struck within proximity of multiple countries. Afghanistan , Tajikistan , Pakistan and Uzbekistan are all within 300km distance of its epicenter. Futher away, this earthquake may also have been felt in Kyrgyzstan.
The closest significant population center near the earthquake is Fayzabad in Badakhshan, Afghanistan. Fayzabad is located 62 kilometer (39 mi) south of the epicenter. Fayzabad experienced an earthquake intensity (MMI Scale) of roughly III. That level implies weak shaking and probably no damage.
Major cities near this earthquake: Kabul is located 260 km to the south-southwest (intensity unknown, possibly low). Rawalpindi is located 398 km to the south-east (intensity unknown, possibly low). Peshawar is located 298 km to the south-southeast (intensity unknown, possibly low).
A complete list of nearby places is included below. Estimated intensity data (MMI) sourced from a shake-map published by the US Geographic Survey is shown where available (cities without data probably experienced little impact).
Overview of nearby places
Distance | Place | Intensity (MMI) |
---|---|---|
62 km (39 mi) N from epicenter |
Fayzabad Badakhshan, Afghanistan. |
III
Weak |
92 km (57 mi) NW from epicenter |
Rustāq Takhar, Afghanistan. |
III
Weak |
93 km (58 mi) ENE from epicenter |
Ishqoshim Gorno-Badakhshan, Tajikistan. |
III
Weak |
96 km (60 mi) W from epicenter |
Taloqan Takhar, Afghanistan. |
III
Weak |
115 km (71 mi) WNW from epicenter |
Ārt Khwājah Takhar, Afghanistan. |
III
Weak |
133 km (83 mi) W from epicenter |
Khanabad Kunduz, Afghanistan. |
III
Weak |
134 km (83 mi) NE from epicenter |
Khorugh Gorno-Badakhshan, Tajikistan. |
III
Weak |
141 km (88 mi) NW from epicenter |
Chubek Khatlon, Tajikistan. |
III
Weak |
142 km (88 mi) WSW from epicenter |
Nahrīn Baghlan, Afghanistan. |
III
Weak |
148 km (92 mi) NW from epicenter |
Farkhor Khatlon, Tajikistan. |
III
Weak |
156 km (97 mi) W from epicenter |
Kunduz Kunduz, Afghanistan. |
III
Weak |
162 km (101 mi) NNW from epicenter |
Hulbuk Khatlon, Tajikistan. |
III
Weak |
167 km (104 mi) NNW from epicenter |
Kŭlob Khatlon, Tajikistan. |
III
Weak |
169 km (105 mi) SW from epicenter |
Bāzārak Panjshir, Afghanistan. |
III
Weak |
175 km (109 mi) WSW from epicenter |
Baghlān Baghlan, Afghanistan. |
III
Weak |
177 km (110 mi) WNW from epicenter |
Qarāwul Kunduz, Afghanistan. |
III
Weak |
182 km (113 mi) WSW from epicenter |
Pul-e Khumrī Baghlan, Afghanistan. |
III
Weak |
183 km (114 mi) SSE from epicenter |
Āsmār Kunar, Afghanistan. |
III
Weak |
190 km (118 mi) SE from epicenter |
Upper Dir Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. |
III
Weak |
191 km (119 mi) SE from epicenter |
Thal Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. |
III
Weak |
194 km (121 mi) SSE from epicenter |
Asadābād Kunar, Afghanistan. |
III
Weak |
203 km (126 mi) NNW from epicenter |
Danghara Khatlon, Tajikistan. |
III
Weak |
213 km (132 mi) S from epicenter |
Mehtar Lām Laghman, Afghanistan. |
|
213 km (132 mi) WNW from epicenter |
Moskovskiy Khatlon, Tajikistan. |
III
Weak |
214 km (133 mi) NW from epicenter |
Bokhtar Khatlon, Tajikistan. |
III
Weak |
214 km (133 mi) SW from epicenter |
Charikar Parwan, Afghanistan. |
III
Weak |
233 km (145 mi) W from epicenter |
Aībak Samangan, Afghanistan. |
|
238 km (148 mi) S from epicenter |
Jalālābād Nangarhar, Afghanistan. |
|
250 km (155 mi) SSE from epicenter |
Bat Khela Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. |
|
255 km (158 mi) SE from epicenter |
Mingora Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. |
II
Weak |
259 km (161 mi) W from epicenter |
Khulm Balkh, Afghanistan. |
|
260 km (162 mi) SSW from epicenter |
Kabul Kabul, Afghanistan. |
|
262 km (163 mi) NNW from epicenter |
Vahdat Republican Subordination, Tajikistan. |
|
265 km (165 mi) SW from epicenter |
Paghmān Kabul, Afghanistan. |
|
272 km (169 mi) NW from epicenter |
Dushanbe Dushanbe, Tajikistan. |
|
275 km (171 mi) SSE from epicenter |
Shabqadar Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. |
|
288 km (179 mi) SSE from epicenter |
Charsadda Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. |
|
294 km (183 mi) SSE from epicenter |
Mardan Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. |
|
298 km (185 mi) SSE from epicenter |
Peshawar Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. |
|
304 km (189 mi) WNW from epicenter |
Tirmiz Surxondaryo, Uzbekistan. |
|
304 km (189 mi) SE from epicenter |
Battagram Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. |
|
311 km (193 mi) W from epicenter |
Mazār-e Sharīf Balkh, Afghanistan. |
|
312 km (194 mi) SSE from epicenter |
Nowshera Cantonment Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. |
|
316 km (196 mi) SW from epicenter |
Bāmyān Bamyan, Afghanistan. |
|
320 km (199 mi) SSE from epicenter |
Swabi Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. |
|
325 km (202 mi) SSW from epicenter |
Baraki Barak Logar, Afghanistan. |
|
325 km (202 mi) SSE from epicenter |
Tordher Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. |
|
330 km (205 mi) W from epicenter |
Balkh Balkh, Afghanistan. |
|
340 km (211 mi) SSE from epicenter |
Kohat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. |
|
352 km (219 mi) SSW from epicenter |
Gardez Paktia, Afghanistan. |
|
357 km (222 mi) SE from epicenter |
Muzaffarābād Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. |
|
359 km (223 mi) SE from epicenter |
Abbottabad Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. |
|
363 km (226 mi) S from epicenter |
Khōst Khowst, Afghanistan. |
|
376 km (234 mi) NNW from epicenter |
Razzakov Batken, Kyrgyzstan. |
|
381 km (237 mi) WSW from epicenter |
Sang-e Chārak Sar-e Pol, Afghanistan. |
|
387 km (240 mi) SE from epicenter |
Islamabad Islamabad, Pakistan. |
|
388 km (241 mi) SSW from epicenter |
Ghazni Ghazni, Afghanistan. |
|
398 km (247 mi) NNW from epicenter |
Istaravshan Sughd, Tajikistan. |
|
398 km (247 mi) SE from epicenter |
Rawalpindi Punjab, Pakistan. |
Earthquake Intensity Map
The maximum intensity (MMI Scale) caused by this earthquake is III. The map below shows in which areas this earthquake was the most and least impactful. It is based on data from the US Geographic Survey.
Shaking reported by 8 people in 2 countries
People that feel an earthquake may report their experience to the US Geographic Survey. Currently, 8 people have reported shaking in 5 places in 2 countries (Afghanistan, Pakistan).We keep updating this article as more ground reports become available. You may report that you felt this earthquake here.
Places with most reports:
- Kabul, Kabul, Afghanistan: 4 people.
- Abottabad, North-West Frontier, Pakistan: 1 person.
- Baffa, North-West Frontier, Pakistan: 1 person.
- Tall, North-West Frontier, Pakistan: 1 person.
- Wah, Punjab, Pakistan: 1 person.
Aftershocks detected
Since this main shock, 1 smaller aftershock was detected. At a distance of 39 km (24 mi) south-east of this earthquake, an aftershock struck 16 hrs later. It measured a magnitude of 4.2
Before this earthquake struck, 4 smaller foreshocks occurred. Nearby this earthquake a foreshock struck 1 day earlier. It measured a magnitude of 4.3
Overview of foreshocks and aftershocks
Classification | Magnitude | When | Where |
---|---|---|---|
Foreshock | M 4.1 |
2 days earlier Oct 14, 2024 11:54AM (Kabul Time) | 59 km (37 mi) E from Main Shock. |
Foreshock | M 4.2 |
2 days earlier Oct 14, 2024 11:45PM (Kabul Time) | 41 km (25 mi) ENE from Main Shock. |
Foreshock | M 4.3 |
1 day earlier Oct 15, 2024 10:12PM (Kabul Time) | 78 km (48 mi) ENE from Main Shock. |
Foreshock | M 4.2 |
26 mins earlier Oct 16, 2024 11:00PM (Kabul Time) | 61 km (38 mi) ENE from Main Shock. |
Main Shock This Earthquake |
M 5.9 |
Oct 16, 2024 11:26PM (Kabul Time) | - |
Aftershock | M 4.2 |
16 hrs later Oct 17, 2024 03:23PM (Kabul Time) | 39 km (24 mi) SE from Main Shock. |
More earthquakes coming?
Earthquakes can create aftershocks. These are generally at least 1 magnitude lower than any main shock, and as time passes the chance and strength of aftershocks decreases.
In only six percent of cases, significant earthquakes are followed by a larger main shock, making the current earthquake a foreshock. While the chance of this happening is not so large, it is adviced to maintain cautiousness in the hours and days following a major earthquake.
Read: How to Stay Safe during an Earthquake (cdc.gov).Earthquakes like this happen often in the region
Earthquakes of this strength are very common in the region. This is the strongest earthquake to hit since January 11th, 2024, when a 6.4 magnitude earthquake hit 7 km (4 mi) further south. An even stronger magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck on October 26th, 2015.
In total, 13 earthquakes with a magnitude of 5.9 or higher have been registered within 300km (186 mi) of this epicenter in the past 10 years. This comes down to an average of once every 9 months.
Tsunami very unlikely
It is very unlikely that this eartquake will cause any tsunami's. The reported magnitude is lower than the MAG-6.5 strength required to cause any earthquakes. In addition, this earthquake was not very shallow and appears to have occurred under land. However always stay cautious and monitor advice from local authorities.
Tsunami Risk Factors
Factor | Under Sea? | MAG-6.5 or stronger? | Shallow depth? |
---|---|---|---|
Explanation | Almost all tsunami's are caused by earthquakes with their epicenter under sea or very near the sea. However stay cautious in coastal areas as earthquakes on land may cause landslides into sea, potentially still causing a local tsunami. | Under MAG 6.5: Very unlikely to cause a tsunami. MAG 6.5 to 7.5: Destructive tsunami's do occur, but are uncommon. Likely to observe small sea level changes. MAG 7.6+: Earthquakes with these magnitudes might produce destructive tsunami's. |
Most destructive tsunami's are caused by shallow earthquakes with a depth between 0 and 100km under the surface of the earth. Deeper tsunami's are unlikely to displace to ocean floor. |
This Earthquake | Not this earthquake. This earthquake appears to have struck on land far from any coast. |
Not this earthquake. This earthquake had a magnitude of 5.9. Earthquakes of this strength are unlikely to trigger a tsunami. |
Not this earthquake. This earthquake occurred at a depth of 203 km (126 mi). Earthquakes this deep in the earth are unlikely to trigger a tsunami. |
Sources
Last updated 18/10/24 02:18 (). As more information on this earthquake becomes available this article will be updated. This article is automatically composed based on data originating from multiple sources.