A sequence of regional earthquakes impacts parts of Iran, Afghanistan, and neighboring areas
A 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck northern Iran, as reported by the Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Center. The tremor’s epicenter was located about 161 km northeast of Sari, a city with a population around 255,000, and roughly 56 km north of Gorgan, which houses about 244,000 residents. The quake occurred at a depth near 40 km. At the time of reporting, there were no confirmed details about casualties or structural damage.
Earlier, on March 22, an earthquake shook the Tahar province of Afghanistan. The tremor caused damage in the districts of Varlık and Kalafgan, with initial reports from CNN indicating at least 13 fatalities. Sharafat Zaman Amar, who serves as the official spokesperson for the Health Ministry of Afghanistan’s Interim Government, noted that four people were confirmed dead in various affected areas and that roughly 70 others sustained injuries nationwide. The situation remained fluid as rescuers and authorities gathered information from the field.
Outside of the immediate epicenters, the quake was felt across a wider region, including parts of Pakistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. In countries far from the earthquake zones, residents described a noticeable震震震震震震震震震震震震震震震震震震震震震震震震震
Officials and relief agencies continued to assess the impact, prioritize response efforts, and coordinate with local authorities to determine needs on the ground. In many cases, rapid assessments focus on identifying damaged homes, critical infrastructure, and the safety of schools and hospitals, while also ensuring that vulnerable communities receive essential supplies and medical care. Local authorities urged residents to stay away from damaged structures, monitor aftershocks, and follow guidance issued by authorities and disaster management agencies. In the days ahead, responders will work to establish temporary shelters where required and to restore access to electricity and communications for affected neighborhoods.
The broader regional response highlights the importance of coordinated monitoring and rapid information sharing among neighboring countries, as seismic activity does not respect borders. Meteorological and seismological centers continue to issue updates based on ongoing measurements, deepening the public understanding of why aftershocks occur and how communities can prepare for future events. This is a critical reminder that preparedness, quick reporting, and community resilience are key in reducing risks from seismic events in this part of the world. Sources include the Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Center (EMSC) and official health authorities in Afghanistan, with cross-border confirmations from major international news organizations. ”}