M4.6 Earthquake Near Farkhār, Afghanistan
A light magnitude 4.6 earthquake struck 41 km S of Farkhār, Afghanistan at a depth of 115.1 km (intermediate focal zone), releasing seismic energy equivalent to approximately 120 tons of TNT. Tracked live on Earthquake Today, here is the verified USGS telemetry, interactive epicenter map, and ground shaking assessment.
(41 km S of)Seismic Telemetry Specifications
4.6MB
Light Seismic Class
115.1km
Upper Mantle
36.204° N, 69.904° E
GPS Coordinates
120 tons
TNT Equivalent Power
USGS
USGS Real-time Feed
Epicenter Location & Tectonic Fault Map
Is This Earthquake Dangerous?
A magnitude 4.6 event is classified as a light earthquake. Noticeable shaking of indoor objects and rattling doors/windows. Generally causes none to slight non-structural damage in older buildings.
Estimated Shaking Across Nearby Communities
Felt indoors. Hanging objects swing slightly. Vibration like a passing light truck.
Felt only by a few persons at rest, especially on upper floors.
Did You Feel This Earthquake?
Help seismologists and community members map real-world ground shaking near Afghanistan.
Your immediate response verifies shaking boundaries and helps ground-truth instrumental models.
What Does Magnitude 4.6 Mean?
Earthquake strength is measured on a logarithmic scale. Compare this event with the full seismic scale:
Logarithmic Energy Multiplier
Because seismic scales are logarithmic, each whole integer increase represents:
Why Did This Earthquake Happen?
Afghanistan's seismicity is fundamentally governed by its tectonic setting: Indian Plate colliding northward into Eurasian Plate creating intense crustal shortening across the Hindu Kush and Pamir mountain ranges. Major regional fault structures include Chaman Fault, Central Badakhshan Fault, Herat Fault, Hindu Kush Seismic Zone.
Originating at a depth of 115.1 km (Upper Mantle / Wadati-Benioff Zone (70–300 km)), this rupture occurred originated within the descending oceanic plate inside the upper mantle. shaking radiates over a wider geographic area with attenuated high frequencies.
Aftershock Outlook & Secondary Tremors
Seismologists note that minor aftershocks remain common in the 24 to 48 hours following tremors of magnitude 4.6. According to statistical seismic models, there is roughly a 5% probability of a subsequent event of equal or greater strength occurring in the same fault zone. Residents in Afghanistan are advised to check living spaces for unsecured items.
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Earthquake Safety Action Plan
Complete Safety Guide →- •Drop, Cover, and Hold On: Take cover beneath a sturdy table or desk.
- •Stay indoors away from exterior glass windows and heavy unanchored fixtures.
- •If outdoors, move into an open area away from power lines and building facades.
- •Inspect utilities for damaged gas lines, water leaks, or electrical hazards.
- •Expect Aftershocks: Secondary tremors frequently strike after significant events.
- •Avoid damaged structures and listen to official emergency broadcasts.
- •Maintain a 72-hour emergency go-bag with water, food, and first aid.
- •Anchor heavy furniture, water heaters, and appliances to structural studs.
- •Establish a family emergency communication protocol and meeting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions and answers about this earthquake.
No. No tsunami warning, watch, or advisory was issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) or the USGS for this M4.6 event. The focal depth (115.1 km) and magnitude did not generate sufficient vertical seafloor displacement to trigger a hazardous tsunami wave.
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