A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region at around 9:50 pm today, sending tremors rippling across Delhi-NCR and various parts of North India. Residents reported feeling a strong jolt, with many in high-rise buildings experiencing shaking that lasted several seconds.
The epicenter of the quake was located in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, at a depth of 150 kilometers. Tremors were felt in cities including Noida, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Poonch, Srinagar, and Udhampur, as well as across the border in Pakistan, where residents in Islamabad and Peshawar also reported noticeable shaking.
Baldev Chand, a resident of Delhi, described the experience: “I felt a strong jolt which lasted for a few seconds.” Another user from the city noted, “The intensity of the tremors was so high that fans and beds in people’s homes began to shake.” Vaishali Poddar, who has lived in the area for years, remarked, “I’ve never felt tremors this strong before.”
Despite the noticeable shaking, there have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties. The earthquake is categorized as moderate but is capable of causing significant shaking across large distances, which explains the widespread reports from multiple cities.
Afghanistan frequently experiences earthquakes due to its geographical position along the collision zone between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This vulnerability is compounded by the fact that the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has noted that Afghanistan remains extremely susceptible to natural disasters.
As the situation develops, officials are likely to monitor the aftermath closely. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential damage or injuries. However, for now, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of residents in the affected areas.
