Strong M6.1 earthquake hits Hindu Kush region, Afghanistan
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 struck the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan at 13:34 UTC (18:34 local time) on June 27, 2026. The agency is reporting a depth of 199 km (123.7 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
Epicenter of M6.1 earthquake in Hindu Kush region, Afghanistan on June 27, 2026. Credit: TW/SAM, Google
The epicenter was located 45 km (30 miles) S of Jurm (population 12 106), 75 km (45 miles) WSW of Ashkāsham (population 12 120), 75 km (45 miles) SSE of Fayzabad (population 44 421), and 80 km (50 miles) WSW of Ishqoshim (population 26 000).
17.5 million people are estimated to have felt weak shaking and 233 000 light.
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.
Little or no landsliding is expected. Liquefaction is also expected to affect little or no area, with little or no population exposed.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
References:
1 M6.1 earthquake Hindu Kush region, Afghanistan – USGS – June 27, 2026
2 M6.1 earthquake Hindu Kush region, Afghanistan – EMSC – June 27, 2026
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