Afghanistan: Disruptions ongoing following magnitude-5.3 earthquake in Kunar Province early Sept. 5 /update 1

Event

Disruptions are ongoing following a magnitude-5.3 earthquake in Afghanistan's Hindu Kush mountain range early Sept. 5. Authorities have reported at least eight fatalities and nine injuries due to the earthquake near the epicenter in Noorgul district, Kunar Province. Casualty figures could rise as it is likely to take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Initial reports indicate that the quake has damaged dozens of homes in Kunar Province.

The magnitude-5.3 earthquake occurred in southern Kunar Province at around 02:27 AFT Sept. 5. The epicenter was about 38 km (23 miles) northeast of Jalalabad. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles), and it was reportedly felt in parts of Kunar, Kabul, Nangarhar, Laghman, Kunar, and Nuristan provinces, as well as areas across the border in parts of northwestern Pakistan. 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.