Earthquake – Deadly Tremor in Afghanistan Felt Across North India Region
Earthquake – A powerful earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale struck northern Afghanistan late Friday, resulting in multiple casualties and widespread tremors that were felt across parts of North India, including the Delhi-NCR region. According to officials, at least eight people lost their lives when a residential structure collapsed in Kabul province, highlighting the destructive potential of seismic events in the region.
Casualties Reported After Building Collapse
Authorities confirmed that the fatalities occurred when a house gave way under the impact of the quake. Alongside the deaths, one child sustained injuries in the incident. Emergency teams were deployed to the affected area, while officials continued to assess the extent of the damage. The collapse underscores the vulnerability of structures in earthquake-prone zones, especially in regions where infrastructure may not always meet seismic safety standards.
Tremors Felt Across Northern India
The earthquake’s impact extended beyond Afghanistan’s borders, with tremors clearly felt in several cities across North India. Residents in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad reported noticeable shaking. Similar experiences were shared in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, where people felt sudden jolts strong enough to prompt precautionary evacuations.
Many individuals described the sensation as brief but intense, with furniture and hanging objects visibly swaying. In both residential and commercial areas, people quickly moved outdoors, gathering in open spaces while awaiting further information. Offices in some locations were temporarily vacated as a safety measure.
Epicentre and Seismic Details
Preliminary reports identified the earthquake’s epicentre at a depth of approximately 186.4 kilometres. It was located near coordinates 36.55 degrees north latitude and 70.85 degrees east longitude. The considerable depth of the quake played a role in how widely the tremors were felt, reaching areas far beyond the immediate epicentral region.
Although deeper earthquakes often result in less surface damage compared to shallow ones, they can still transmit strong vibrations across vast distances, as witnessed in this case.
Afghanistan’s High Seismic Risk
Afghanistan is among the countries most frequently affected by earthquakes due to its geographical positioning. The nation lies along a complex tectonic boundary where the Eurasian plate interacts with the Indian plate. Additionally, the influence of the Arabian plate to the south contributes to ongoing geological activity, making the region highly susceptible to seismic disturbances.
Studies indicate that hundreds of earthquakes with magnitudes exceeding 5.0 have been recorded in Afghanistan over the past few decades. On average, these events result in significant human and economic losses each year. The combination of active fault lines and densely populated areas increases the potential impact of such disasters.
Why Earthquakes Are Frequent in the Region
The continuous northward movement of the Indian tectonic plate is a major factor behind recurring earthquakes in Afghanistan. As it pushes against the Eurasian plate, immense pressure builds up beneath the earth’s surface. When this pressure is suddenly released, it generates seismic waves that lead to earthquakes.
Regions in eastern and northeastern Afghanistan, especially those near international borders, are particularly vulnerable. Kabul, being a densely populated urban centre, faces heightened risk, with studies estimating substantial annual damage caused by seismic activity.
Secondary Risks in Mountainous Areas
In addition to structural damage, earthquakes in Afghanistan’s mountainous terrain often trigger landslides. These secondary disasters can further increase casualties and disrupt rescue operations. The challenging geography makes it difficult for emergency services to reach affected areas quickly, compounding the overall impact of such events.
Continued Vigilance Required
The recent earthquake serves as a reminder of the need for preparedness in both Afghanistan and neighbouring regions. While the tremors in India did not result in reported damage, the widespread panic highlighted the importance of awareness and safety protocols. Authorities continue to monitor seismic activity closely, urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain cautious and informed.