Series of Earthquakes Rattle Afghanistan, Highlighting Ongoing Seismic Vulnerability

May 18, 2025: A magnitude 4.5 earthquake struck Afghanistan on Sunday, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS). The quake occurred at a depth of 150 kilometers, with coordinates placing the epicenter at 36.44°N latitude and 71.07°E longitude.

This is the latest in a series of moderate earthquakes that have shaken the region over the past week. On May 17, a 4.2 magnitude quake was recorded at a depth of 120 kilometers. A day earlier, on May 16, a 4.0 magnitude tremor was also reported at the same depth. Earlier in the month, on May 10, a stronger 4.7 magnitude earthquake was recorded at a depth of 192 kilometers.

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These repeated seismic events underscore Afghanistan’s vulnerability to natural disasters, particularly earthquakes. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) has emphasized that frequent tremors continue to threaten communities already burdened by decades of conflict and underdevelopment, leaving them ill-equipped to handle further shocks.

Geologically, Afghanistan lies in a seismically active zone. The country is located at the convergence of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, with several major fault lines—including one passing through the western city of Herat—making it prone to frequent earthquakes. The Hindu Kush mountain range, in particular, is a hotspot for seismic activity and often experiences deep-focus quakes.

The International Red Cross has also noted Afghanistan’s long history of powerful earthquakes, warning that recurring seismic events pose a persistent threat to life, infrastructure, and recovery efforts in the region.