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3.8 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Afghanistan, Follows Recent Tremors

A magnitude 3.8 earthquake struck Afghanistan on Wednesday at a depth of 90 kilometers. This event follows two other tremors on Tuesday, magnitudes 4.1 and 4.0, which occurred at a more dangerous shallow depth of 10km. Afghanistan is highly vulnerable to earthquakes due to its location on a major tectonic plate collision zone and a significant fault line. Repeated seismic shocks exacerbate the plight of communities already grappling with conflict and underdevelopment, leaving them with little resilience.

Key Points: Afghanistan Hit by 3.8 Magnitude Earthquake

  • 3.8 magnitude quake at 90km depth
  • Preceded by 4.1 and 4.0 magnitude tremors
  • Shallow quakes cause more damage
  • Region is highly active seismic zone
  • Communities have minimal resilience
2 min read

Earthquake of magnitude 3.8 strikes Afghanistan

A 3.8 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan at 90km depth, following recent shallow tremors in the seismically active region.

"Shallow earthquakes are generally more dangerous than deep earthquakes. - Seismology Report"

Kabul, January 14

An earthquake of magnitude 3.8 struck Afghanistan on Wednesday, a statement by the National Center for Seismology said.

The earthquake occurred at a depth of 90km.

In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 3.8, On: 14/01/2026 13:19:43 IST, Lat: 36.47 N, Long: 71.16 E, Depth: 90 Km, Location: Afghanistan."

Earlier on Tuesday, another earthquake of magnitude 4.1 struck the region at a shallow depth of 10km, making it susceptible to aftershocks.

In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 4.1, On: 13/01/2026 20:19:01 IST, Lat: 34.74 N, Long: 68.52 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Afghanistan."

Another earthquake of magnitude 4.0 struck the region on the same day at a depth of 10km.

In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 4.0, On: 13/01/2026 17:21:19 IST, Lat: 37.34 N, Long: 74.58 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Afghanistan."

Shallow earthquakes are generally more dangerous than deep earthquakes. This is because the seismic waves from shallow earthquakes travel shorter distances to the surface, resulting in stronger ground shaking, greater structural damage, and potentially higher casualties.

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.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The article mentions the Indian tectonic plate. It's a stark reminder that seismic activity in our entire region is interconnected. We in North India should also be prepared. Our building codes in seismic zones need strict enforcement.
D
David E
Reading about the shallow depth of 10km for the 4.1 quake is concerning. That can cause real damage, especially with traditional mud-brick construction common in rural areas. The humanitarian situation there must be dire.
A
Aman W
Our National Center for Seismology does good work tracking these. The data is precise. But respectfully, the article could have explained more about what a magnitude 3.8 actually feels like on the surface at that depth. Is it even noticeable?
S
Shreya B
Hindu Kush region... it's so geologically active. Nature doesn't recognize borders. When I hear such news, I just hope the common people, especially women and children, are safe. They have enough struggles without the ground shaking beneath them.

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