Afghanistan has faced a series of devastating earthquakes over the past decade. These disasters caused significant loss of life and widespread destruction, particularly in its eastern and western regions. Situated along active seismic zones, the country remains highly vulnerable to powerful tremors.
The seismic events in Afghanistan also affect neighbouring Pakistan, especially in the border provinces. This creates an urgent need for effective cross-border humanitarian coordination to respond to these disasters.
Major Earthquakes from 2015 to 2025
October 26, 2015: Hindu Kush Earthquake
- Magnitude: 7.5
- Location: Hindu Kush region (northeastern Afghanistan)
- Casualties: Approximately 117 in Afghanistan; a total of 272, including Pakistan and India
This powerful earthquake, one of the strongest recorded in Afghanistan, had a significant cross-border impact. It extended into Pakistan’s border provinces, resulting in heavy casualties.
January 17, 2022: Badghis Earthquake
- Magnitude: 5.3
- Location: Qadis district, Badghis (western Afghanistan)
- Casualties: Approximately 26-30 deaths
Despite its moderate magnitude, this shallow earthquake destroyed hundreds of homes and damaged the historic Minaret of Jam, a UNESCO World Heritage site, emphasising threats to Afghanistan’s cultural heritage.
June 22, 2022: Eastern Provinces Earthquake
- Magnitude: 6.1-6.2
- Location: Paktika, Paktia, Khost, Nangarhar provinces
- Casualties: Approximately 1,036 deaths; hundreds injured
This violent earthquake caused extensive destruction, collapsing homes and displacing thousands. It led to a major humanitarian crisis near the Pakistani border.
September 5, 2022: Kunar Earthquake
- Magnitude: 5.1
- Location: Kunar province (near Jalalabad)
- Casualties: Approximately 18 deaths, 42 injured
This earthquake resulted in moderate damage in Kunar and surrounding areas, following a trend of increased seismic activity in Afghanistan’s eastern region in 2022.
March 21, 2023: Badakhshan Earthquake
- Magnitude: 6.5
- Location: Badakhshan province (northeast)
- Casualties: Approximately 21 in Afghanistan and Pakistan
This intermediate-depth earthquake affected both Afghanistan and Pakistan, highlighting ongoing seismic risks in the Hindu Kush mountain system.
October 2023: Herat Earthquake Series
- Magnitude: 6.3
- Location: Herat province (western Afghanistan)
- Casualties: Approximately 1,480 to 2,445 deaths; up to 9,420 injured
October’s series of devastating earthquakes marked Afghanistan’s deadliest seismic disaster. The repeated tremors caused massive destruction, overwhelming local response capabilities in Herat province.
August 31, 2025: Eastern Provinces Earthquake
- Magnitude: 6.0
- Location: Kunar, Nangarhar provinces (near Jalalabad)
- Casualties: 600-812+ deaths; 2,500-2,800+ injured
Striking at midnight, this earthquake took residents by surprise. It led to catastrophic damage and landslides, further exacerbating the humanitarian plight in the region.
