M6.4 earthquake hits Hindu Kush, Afghanistan at intermediate depth
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.4 hit Hindu Kush, Afghanistan at 09:20 UTC on January 11, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 206.6 km (128 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.0 at a depth of 201 km (125 miles).
The epicenter was located 45 km (28 miles) SSW of Jurm (population 12 106), 66.7 km (41.4 miles) E of Farkhār (population 10 480), and 67.9 km (42.2 miles) S of Fayzabad (population 44 421), Afghanistan.
12 975 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking.
The USGS issued a Green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.
Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are adobe block and log construction.
Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides and liquefaction that might have contributed to losses.
Regional seismicity
Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google
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