Powerful 6.3 Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Afghanistan; Series of Aftershocks Intensify Fears

Tremors were felt across Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan as a strong 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck early Monday, followed by multiple aftershocks ranging between 4.3 and 5.0.

Kabul, Afghanistan | September 1, 2025: In the early hours of Monday, Afghanistan was rocked by a powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake, sending waves of fear across the Hindu Kush region. The tremors, which struck at 12:47 AM IST, were felt not just in Afghanistan but also across parts of Pakistan, leaving people rushing out of their homes in panic.

According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake’s epicenter was located at latitude 34.50°N and longitude 70.81°E, with a depth of 160 km.

Soon after the main tremor, a series of aftershocks followed—each adding to the anxiety of residents. The first aftershock measured 4.7 in magnitude, recorded at a depth of 140 km, just minutes later. It was followed by a 4.3 magnitude tremor at 1:59 AM IST and then a stronger 5.0 magnitude quake around 3:03 AM IST, much shallower at just 40 km depth.

Seismologists warn that shallow and intermediate earthquakes—like those recorded Monday—can be more destructive because seismic waves travel a shorter distance to the surface, amplifying the intensity of ground shaking.

Afghanistan is no stranger to such disasters. Sitting atop the collision zone of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, the country is one of the world’s most seismically active regions. The Hindu Kush Mountain range, in particular, is notorious for producing powerful quakes year after year. The Red Cross has often highlighted Afghanistan’s vulnerability, especially with major fault lines running through populated areas such as Herat.

While no immediate reports of casualties or large-scale damage have been confirmed, experts fear that fragile infrastructure and densely packed settlements could make even moderate tremors dangerous for Afghan communities.

For a country already struggling with humanitarian challenges, this latest natural disaster serves as yet another reminder of its fragile geography and resilience in crisis.