KATHMANDU: A powerful earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale struck Afghanistan early Monday morning, leaving at least 20 people dead and more than 115 injured, according to the BBC.

Epicenter and Magnitude

The National Center for Seismology (NCS) reported that the epicenter of the earthquake was located 160 kilometers below the ground. The quake was recorded at 1:02 am Nepali time, with tremors felt as far as Islamabad and Abbottabad in Pakistan.

Aftershocks Continue

Following the main quake, a series of aftershocks were recorded, measuring 4.7, 4.3, and 5.0 on the Richter scale. The injured have been admitted to hospitals in Nangarhar and Kunar provinces for treatment.

History of Deadly Earthquakes

Afghanistan is prone to severe earthquakes due to its location on a major tectonic fault line between the Indian and Eurasian plates. The Hindu Kush mountain range is particularly seismically active.
In October 2023, a devastating earthquake claimed thousands of lives. The Taliban government reported 4,000 deaths, while the United Nations confirmed 1,500 fatalities.

Why Do Earthquakes Occur?

The Earth’s crust is made up of large tectonic plates that constantly move and sometimes collide. When the edges of these plates bend under pressure, they eventually break, releasing massive amounts of energy. This sudden release causes the ground to shake—resulting in an earthquake.