Afghanistan Earthquake Rattles Region, Sparks Fears of Renewed Disaster

A significant earthquake struck northern Afghanistan early Sunday. The magnitude 6.3 tremor hit the Hindu Kush region. It was felt across multiple countries, including Pakistan and Iran.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake originated near the city of Mazar-i-Sharif. The event occurred at a shallow depth, amplifying the shaking. This comes just months after a deadly quake killed hundreds in the same area.

Shallow Depth Amplifies Tremor Reach

The seismic event registered at a depth of only 10 kilometers. This shallow nature caused the tremors to travel far. Reports confirm shaking was felt in Kabul, Islamabad, and Mashhad in Iran.

The European Mediterranean Seismological Centre also tracked the event. There were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties. This is a positive early sign for relief agencies.

Region Still Reeling from Previous Seismic Disaster

The area is highly vulnerable to earthquakes. A magnitude 6.0 quake in August caused widespread devastation. The Taliban government confirmed at least 800 deaths from that event.

Sunday’s tremor follows smaller quakes felt on Saturday. This persistent seismic activity keeps communities on edge. The region’s infrastructure is often unable to withstand such forces.

The latest Afghanistan earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the region’s persistent seismic threat. Emergency response teams remain on high alert as aftershock assessments continue.

Info at your fingertips

Where was the earthquake’s epicenter located?

The epicenter was in northern Afghanistan’s Khulm district. It was near the major city of Mazar-i-Sharif. The U.S. Geological Survey provided the precise coordinates.

Were there any immediate reports of casualties?

Initial assessments show no major casualties. The full impact is still being evaluated. The shallow depth had raised significant concerns.

Which countries felt the tremors?

The shaking was felt across a wide area. People in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran reported feeling the quake. The tremors reached as far as Islamabad and Mashhad.

How does this quake compare to recent ones?

This was a magnitude 6.3 event. It was slightly stronger than the August quake that killed 800 people. The region experienced smaller tremors just one day prior.

Why is this region so prone to earthquakes?

The Hindu Kush region sits on a major tectonic plate boundary. This creates frequent and often powerful seismic activity. The complex geology makes large quakes a recurring threat.

Trusted Sources

U.S. Geological Survey, European Mediterranean Seismological Centre, BNO News