Afghanistan: Magnitude-5.2 earthquake occurs in Panjshir Province March 2

Event

A magnitude-5.2 earthquake occurred in Panjshir Province at around 14:28 AFT March 2. The epicenter was about 37 km (23 miles) northeast of Bazarak. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 87 km (54 miles), and light shaking was probably felt throughout much of eastern Afghanistan, as well as into far southern Tajikistan and far northwestern Pakistan. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake; however, damage to rudimentary structures near the epicenter is possible. The earthquake could also trigger landslides on unstable slopes. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Light aftershocks are likely over the coming days.

Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if no damage is found. Utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.

Advice

Plan accordingly for aftershocks. Consider vacating multistory buildings if operating in affected areas until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Allow additional time for air and road travel, as aftershocks may prompt brief disruptions. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected region due to potential landslides.