Afghanistan has experienced a series of devastating earthquakes over the past decade. These disasters have led to significant loss of life and widespread destruction, particularly in the country’s eastern and western regions. Located along active seismic zones, Afghanistan remains highly vulnerable to powerful tremors.
These seismic events also affect neighboring Pakistan, especially the border provinces. Consequently, there is 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, extending into Pakistan’s border provinces and 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. It underscores the 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, leading 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, indicating 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
The October series of devastating earthquakes marked Afghanistan’s deadliest seismic disaster, with repeated tremors causing massive destruction and 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 surprised residents, causing catastrophic damage and landslides, exacerbating the humanitarian plight in the region.
