5.5 magnitude earthquake hits Afghanistan
Kabul, July 2
An earthquake of magnitude 5.5 struck Afghanistan on Wednesday, as reported by the National Center for Seismology.
In a post on X, it said that the earthquake occurred at 11:27 PM Indian Standard Time, at a depth of 173 kilometres.
"EQ of M: 5.5, On: 01/07/2026 23:27:00 IST, Lat: 36.443 N, Long: 70.391 E, Depth: 173 Km, Location: Afghanistan," the NCS said.
There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties following the earthquake.
Afghanistan frequently experiences earthquakes, particularly in the Hindu Kush region, which lies in a highly active seismic zone, according to the Red Cross.
Afghanistan's vulnerability to earthquakes is linked to its location along the collision zone between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. A major fault line also passes through parts of the country, including the Herat region.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) notes that Afghanistan remains extremely vulnerable to natural disasters, including earthquakes, landslides and seasonal flooding. Repeated tremors worsen the situation for communities already struggling with decades of conflict and limited development, leaving them with minimal resilience to withstand multiple shocks.
Meanwhile, rescue and relief operations remain underway in Venezuela after the deadly twin earthquake last week left over 1,900 people dead, according to official sources, CNN reported.
As per the American broadcaster, National Assembly President Jorge Ramirez - the acting president's brother - on Tuesday announced that at least 1,943 had died, an increase of about 200 from the day before.
However, the casualty figure is believed to be much larger. According to the US Geological Survey, there is a high likelihood that tens of thousands are dead.
CNN reported that the United Nations' Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Venezuela, Gianluca Rampolla, said on Monday that the Venezuelan government and the UN are procuring 10,000 body bags in anticipation of more deaths.
As Venezuelans in La Guaira continued to pick through the rubble of downed buildings yesterday, a government excavator stood immobile next to a pile of concrete and bent rebar.
With plenty of work to do as the country reels in the aftermath of the earthquake, CNN further reported that when asked why the excavator was idle, the operator said there wasn't any gasoline to put in it.
— ANI
Reader Comments
5.5 magnitude isn't too high but at 173 km depth, that's deep. Wonder how much shaking people actually felt. The Hindu Kush region is always shaky.
Heartbreaking news from both Afghanistan and Venezuela. The Venezuelan situation sounds catastrophic—tens of thousands dead and no fuel for rescue vehicles? Governments need to prioritize disaster preparedness. World should step up aid. 😔
Similar to Himalayan region in India, Afghanistan is on a fault line. We in Uttarakhand and Jammu know this fear well. Need better early warning systems and earthquake-resistant buildings across South Asia.
Just read about Venezuela—1,943 dead and counting, with body bags being procured. That's horrific, but the article mixes two different disasters. The Afghanistan quake thankfully had no reported damage. Good news within all the tragedy.
Global connectivity means we feel for everyone. Hope international organizations coordinate better. The UN mentioning body bags is stark—we need proactive help not just reactive condolences. 🤝
Perspective: India's National Center for Seismology tracking Afghanistan quakes shows regional cooperation. However, why is Venezuela mentioned in this article? Seems like a separate news story tacked on. Stay focused on Afghanistan's needs.