A strong earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale hit southeastern Afghanistan early Monday, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). The tremor struck at 12:47 am IST, with its epicenter located at 34.50°N latitude and 70.81°E longitude, at a depth of 160 kilometers.
EQ of M: 6.3, On: 01/09/2025 00:47:41 IST, Lat: 34.50 N, Long: 70.81 E, Depth: 160 Km, Location: Afghanistan.
— National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) August 31, 2025
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Casualties and injuries reported
BBC News reported that the quake killed at least 20 people. Local officials told the network that more than 115 injured people were rushed to hospitals in Nangarhar and Kunar provinces.
Naqibullah Rahimi, spokesperson for the Nangarhar Public Health Department, told Reuters, “at least nine people had died and 15 others were injured.”
Tremors felt across borders
The earthquake’s impact was not limited to Afghanistan. Strong tremors were felt in Pakistan and northern India, including Delhi-NCR. Residents described how buildings shook violently, forcing people to leave their homes in panic and gather outside.
Aftershocks continue
The initial jolt was followed by a series of aftershocks. These included quakes measuring 4.7, 4.3, and two shocks of 5.0 on the Richter scale. Experts classify these tremors as either shallow or intermediate earthquakes, depending on their depth.
Why shallow and intermediate quakes are more dangerous
Shallow and intermediate earthquakes pose greater risks compared to deep ones. Since seismic waves travel a shorter distance to the surface, the shaking feels stronger. This often causes more structural damage and raises the chances of higher casualties.
A region prone to seismic activity
Afghanistan lies in a seismically active zone, along with the neighboring Himalayan belt. In recent years, the region has faced frequent and destructive earthquakes. The latest tremor highlights once again the fragile nature of its geology and the constant threat to communities living there.