Powerful 5.8-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Afghanistan

A powerful earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale struck Afghanistan on Saturday, sending tremors across parts of northern India and triggering fresh concerns over the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters.

The quake was recorded at 12:17 PM IST, with its epicentre located at 36.10° North latitude and 71.20° East longitude, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS). The tremor originated at a depth of 130 kilometres beneath the Earth’s surface.

While there have been no immediate reports of injuries or structural damage, the quake was strong enough to be felt in Jammu & Kashmir, Delhi-NCR, and several surrounding areas. Social media lit up with residents sharing their experiences of shaking buildings and brief panic, although no major emergencies were reported.

The NCS confirmed the seismic event in a post on X (formerly Twitter): “EQ of M: 5.8, On: 19/04/2025 12:17:53 IST, Lat: 36.10 N, Long: 71.20 E, Depth: 130 Km, Location: Afghanistan.“

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This quake comes on the heels of another tremor that hit Afghanistan earlier in the week. On Wednesday, a 5.6 magnitude earthquake was recorded approximately 164 km east of Baghlan.

Initially reported as a 6.4 by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the figure was later revised to 5.6 after further analysis.

Closer to home, Jammu & Kashmir’s Kishtwar region also experienced mild seismic activity on the same morning. A 2.4 magnitude quake was recorded at 5:14 AM IST at a shallow depth of just 5 kilometres. While minor, it added to the growing list of tremors that have unsettled the region in recent days.

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Afghanistan sits atop a complex network of tectonic plates—specifically, the collision zone between the Indian and Eurasian plates.

This region, especially the Hindu Kush mountains, is notorious for frequent and sometimes devastating seismic activity. One of the fault lines even cuts through the western city of Herat, amplifying the risk in that area.

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), Afghanistan is extremely prone to natural disasters like earthquakes, landslides, and seasonal floods.

These recurring shocks come as a heavy burden for a nation already grappling with decades of conflict, economic instability, and underdevelopment. Fragile infrastructure and limited emergency response systems only add to the challenges, making it difficult for communities to recover from repeated crises.

The Red Cross echoes these concerns, pointing out Afghanistan’s long history with high-magnitude earthquakes. Many of these have had catastrophic impacts, especially in remote and mountainous areas where help is hard to reach.

As of now, authorities in both Afghanistan and northern India are monitoring the situation closely. Seismologists will continue to assess whether Saturday’s quake was an isolated event or part of a larger pattern of tectonic shifts. With multiple tremors occurring in a short span, the possibility of aftershocks—or even stronger future quakes—cannot be ruled out.

For residents in quake-prone areas, preparedness is key. Experts recommend having emergency kits, securing heavy furniture, and staying informed through verified alerts during seismic events.