Shallow M5.5 earthquake hits Rasht region, Tajikistan
An earthquake of magnitude M5.5 struck 49 km (30 miles) east-southeast of Rasht, Tajikistan at 10:26 UTC on April 3, 2026. The event was located at a depth of 10.0 km (6.2 miles), placing it in the shallow earthquake category.
The epicenter was positioned at coordinates 38.9°N, 70.9°E, within the mountainous terrain of eastern Tajikistan, with Rasht being the nearest notable city. This region is characterized by sparsely populated, rugged landscapes with small settlements scattered throughout.
Given the earthquake’s inland location in a mountainous area, nearby critical infrastructure could include regional roads, small energy installations, and agricultural facilities serving local communities.
There is no tsunami threat associated with this earthquake, based on its inland location and available data.
USGS issued a green alert for this event, indicating a low likelihood of casualties or damage.
The maximum estimated intensity was approximately VI. The significance index is 465 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.
Tajikistan is situated in a seismically active zone influenced by the convergence of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, contributing to frequent moderate to strong inland earthquakes.
This information was last updated at 10:51 UTC on April 3, 2026.