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A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 5.9 struck the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan early Wednesday morning, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS).
The tremor, which occurred at 4:43 AM IST, originated at a depth of 75 kilometers, with its epicenter located at 35.83°N latitude and 70.60°E longitude.
The NCS promptly shared information about the quake on X (formerly Twitter), posting: “EQ of M: 5.9, On: 16/04/2025 04:43:58 IST, Lat: 35.83 N, Long: 70.60 E, Depth: 75 Km, Location: Hindu Kush, Afghanistan.”
EQ of M: 6.2, On: 16/04/2025 07:13:02 IST, Lat: 47.85 S, Long: 99.63 E, Depth: 24 Km, Location: Southeast Indian Ridge.
For more information Download the BhooKamp App https://t.co/5gCOtjcVGs @DrJitendraSingh @OfficeOfDrJS @Ravi_MoES @Dr_Mishra1966 @ndmaindia pic.twitter.com/tInbO9HeGZ— National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) April 16, 2025
Although no immediate reports of casualties or damage have emerged, local authorities and humanitarian agencies are monitoring the region closely for any developments.
Rescue and response teams remain on standby in case further tremors or aftershocks occur.
Earthquake Strikes In A Known Seismic Hotspot
This latest tremor highlights the ongoing seismic volatility of the Hindu Kush mountain range, a geologically active zone where tectonic activity is frequent due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates.
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The complex geology of the region makes it one of the most earthquake-prone areas in Asia.
Afghanistan’s susceptibility to seismic events is well documented.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) reports that repeated natural disasters, particularly earthquakes, continue to strike vulnerable communities already weakened by years of conflict and poor infrastructure.
History Of Devastation And Calls For Resilience
This recent event comes just over a year after a series of deadly earthquakes in October 2023 devastated western Afghanistan, including the province of Herat.
That disaster, which included a magnitude 6.3 quake, claimed over 1,000 lives and displaced thousands.
It underscored the urgent need for more robust disaster preparedness and long-term resilience strategies in the country.
The International Committee of the Red Cross has reiterated that earthquakes are an annual threat in Afghanistan, especially in areas like the Hindu Kush and Herat, which sit atop major fault lines.
As of now, there are no confirmed reports of damage or injuries from today’s quake. However, experts warn that the potential for aftershocks remains, and communities in the region are advised to stay alert.
Relief agencies continue to assess the situation and prepare for possible emergency responses.
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