A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck Afghanistan’s mountainous Hindu Kush region late Sunday night, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor, occurring near the Pakistan border at a depth of 10 km, caused strong ground shaking. According to reports, at least 800 have been killed and over 2500 are injured. The earthquake hit at 11:47 pm local time (19:17 GMT), catching many residents in their homes. The USGS pinpointed the epicentre 42 kilometres east-northeast of Jalalabad and about 36 kilometres north of Basawul, near Afghanistan’s eastern border with Pakistan.
The quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres (6 miles), which is considered shallow and capable of producing stronger surface shaking.
Tremors felt in Jammu & Kashmir and Delhi-NCR
In the aftermath of the magnitude 6.0 earthquake that struck Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region, tremors were reportedly felt across several parts of northern India, including Jammu and Kashmir and Delhi-NCR. In April 2025, a magnitude 5.8 earthquake in Afghanistan also sent tremors across northern India, including the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. That incident, though slightly less powerful, had led to brief panic in several towns
Region prone to seismic activity
Afghanistan sits on a major tectonic boundary, with the Hindu Kush mountain range frequently experiencing earthquakes. In October 2023, a powerful 6.3 magnitude quake killed thousands in the western part of the country. Estimates from that disaster ranged from 1,500 (UN) to over 4,000 (Taliban authorities).
PM Modi condoles loss of lives
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives due to the earthquake in Afghanistan. "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the earthquake in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families in this difficult hour, and we wish a speedy recovery to the injured. India stands ready to provide all possible humanitarian aid and relief to those affected," he posted on X.
