JURM, Afghanistan, July 1 — A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck approximately 50 kilometers southwest of Jurm, Afghanistan, on Wednesday at 17:57 UTC, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The quake occurred at a depth of 216.694 kilometers, classifying it as an intermediate-to-deep event. Seismologists note that such deep earthquakes can be felt across a wide area but often cause less surface damage than a shallow tremor of similar size.
At least one person has reported feeling the earthquake so far. The USGS detected the event through its real-time global seismic monitoring network.
No tsunami warning was issued.
The magnitude 5.5 event is considered moderate. Earthquakes in this range can cause minor to moderate damage near the epicenter, though the depth here may reduce that risk. The encouraging part for residents is that deep quakes typically release energy over a broader zone, limiting the intensity of shaking at any single point.
This region of Afghanistan is seismically active. The USGS reports that at least 232 earthquakes of magnitude 5.0 or greater have been recorded within about 300 kilometers of this location over the past two decades. The strongest among them was a magnitude 7.5 earthquake in 2015.
Seismologists caution that aftershocks are common following an earthquake of this size. People in the affected area are generally advised to be prepared for further shaking, which may continue for days or weeks.
Early findings suggest the depth of this event may have helped contain damage, but patients in the region should remain alert. If you feel shaking, drop, cover, and hold on. For those with concerns about structural safety or ongoing health needs, talk to your doctor or local emergency services.
The USGS continues to monitor the region for any additional seismic activity. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels as aftershocks remain a possibility in the coming days.
