Tajikistan experienced a series of earthquakes on Sunday, with three tremors recorded in less than 12 hours, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS).
4.5 Magnitude Quake Hits in the Evening
The most recent quake, a magnitude 4.5 earthquake, struck Sunday evening at 8:04 PM IST. It occurred at a depth of 10 km with coordinates Latitude 38.98° N and Longitude 70.61° E, as reported by NCS on X.
“EQ of M: 4.5, On: 13/04/2025 20:04:27 IST, Lat: 38.98 N, Long: 70.61 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Tajikistan,” the post read.
Earlier Quakes: 6.1 and 3.9 Magnitudes
Earlier in the day, Tajikistan was jolted by two more earthquakes:
- 6.1 magnitude at 9:54 AM IST, Latitude 38.86° N, Longitude 70.61° E
- 3.9 magnitude at 10:36 AM IST, Latitude 39.02° N, Longitude 70.40° E
Both quakes occurred at a depth of 10 km, indicating shallow seismic activity, which can be more damaging on the surface.
A Region Prone to Natural Disasters
Tajikistan’s rugged landscapes and tectonic settings make it highly vulnerable to natural disasters. According to the United Nations Development Coordination Office, the country faces frequent earthquakes, floods, and landslides, intensified by climate change. These disasters displace thousands and cause annual economic losses of about 1.3% of the national GDP.
No Immediate Reports of Damage
As of now, there have been no reports of casualties or significant damage. However, the rapid succession of quakes has raised concerns about emergency preparedness and the resilience of local infrastructure.
Authorities Urge Caution
Local authorities and disaster response teams are monitoring the situation closely, urging residents in vulnerable areas to stay alert and follow safety protocols.
What’s Next?
With Tajikistan located in a seismically active region, experts warn that aftershocks are possible, and continued vigilance is necessary in the coming days.
