A moderate earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale struck northeastern Afghanistan on Friday afternoon, with tremors being felt in several parts of India and Pakistan. The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) confirmed that the epicenter was located in the Hindu Kush mountain range, a seismically active region frequently prone to tectonic activity.
The quake occurred around 2:45 PM IST and was felt across northern India, including in Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and parts of Uttar Pradesh. In Pakistan, residents of Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar also reported ground shaking. The tremors lasted for a few seconds but were strong enough to cause alarm, prompting people to vacate buildings in some cities.
According to initial assessments, the earthquake originated at a depth of approximately 180 kilometers beneath the Earth’s surface, which contributed to its widespread impact across South Asia. Fortunately, due to the depth and relatively moderate intensity, there have been no immediate reports of structural damage or casualties.
India’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and state disaster management teams have been placed on alert as a precautionary measure. Emergency services are coordinating with local administrations in affected areas to assess any potential damages or injuries. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has also been briefed on the situation.
In Pakistan, the Meteorological Department also confirmed the earthquake and noted that while tremors were felt across major cities, no severe damage had been reported as of now. Authorities have advised residents to stay vigilant and prepare for possible aftershocks in the coming hours.
Afghanistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA) issued a brief statement acknowledging the earthquake and confirming that teams have been dispatched to assess the impact in remote regions near the epicenter. Given the country's vulnerability to seismic activity and past experiences with devastating quakes, international agencies are monitoring the situation closely.
Seismologists noted that the Hindu Kush region frequently experiences intermediate-depth earthquakes due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. These types of quakes, though often less destructive on the surface, can be felt over a vast area.
Citizens in affected regions are advised to avoid panic, stay away from unstable structures, and follow official safety protocols in case of aftershocks. No tsunami warning has been issued, as the earthquake’s epicenter was located inland.
The situation remains under observation, and updates will follow as more information becomes available from local authorities and monitoring agencies.
