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4.0 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Afghanistan, Following Recent Tremors

An earthquake measuring 4.0 on the Richter scale struck Afghanistan on January 6, occurring at a depth of 100 kilometers. This event follows two other tremors in the region earlier in the week, measuring 3.7 and 4.2 in magnitude. Afghanistan is highly prone to earthquakes due to its location on the collision zone of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. The nation's vulnerability is exacerbated by decades of conflict, which leaves communities with limited resilience to withstand such repeated natural shocks.

Key Points: 4.0 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Afghanistan

  • 4.0 magnitude quake at 100km depth
  • Follows 3.7 and 4.2 tremors earlier in week
  • Region lies on active tectonic plate boundary
  • November quake killed 27, damaged iconic mosque
  • Communities have minimal resilience after decades of conflict
2 min read

Earthquake of magnitude 4.0 strikes Afghanistan

A 4.0 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan at 100km depth. This follows recent tremors in the seismically active region, which remains highly vulnerable.

"Afghanistan remains extremely vulnerable to natural disasters, including earthquakes, landslides and seasonal flooding. - UNOCHA"

Kabul, January 6

An earthquake of magnitude 4.0 struck Afghanistan on Tuesday, a statement by the National Center for Seismology said.

The earthquake occurred at a depth of 100km.

In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 4.0, On: 06/01/2026 10:55:38 IST, Lat: 35.02 N, Long: 69.31 E, Depth: 100 Km, Location: Afghanistan."

Earlier on January 3, an earthquake of magnitude 3.7 struck the region at a depth of 35km.

In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 3.7, On: 03/01/2026 22:55:45 IST, Lat: 37.31 N, Long: 74.57 E, Depth: 35 Km, Location: Afghanistan."

On the same day, another earthquake of magnitude 4.2 struck the region at a depth of 140km.

In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 4.2, On: 03/01/2026 18:33:14 IST, Lat: 36.66 N, Long: 71.48 E, Depth: 140 Km, Location: Afghanistan."

Afghanistan frequently experiences earthquakes, particularly in the Hindu Kush region, which lies in a highly active seismic zone, according to the Red Cross.

The recent tremors follow a powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake that struck northern Afghanistan on November 4. According to Afghan authorities, at least 27 people were killed and hundreds were injured in that quake. CNN reported that the tremor also damaged one of the country's most iconic mosques. The United States Geological Survey reported that the quake occurred at a shallow depth, which increases its impact.

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 collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates. It's a stark reminder that seismic activity in our entire region is interconnected. Our disaster management agencies in India must stay vigilant, especially in northern states.
A
Aman W
Magnitude 4.0 at 100km depth is likely not too damaging, but it's the frequency that's worrying. Three quakes in just a few days? The Hindu Kush region is truly unstable. Hope our scientists at NCS are monitoring this closely for any implications.
S
Sarah B
While the report is factual, it feels quite detached. The real story is the human suffering—communities with "minimal resilience" as the UN says. The article could have focused more on that impact rather than just listing coordinates.
V
Vikram M
Nature doesn't recognize borders. When our neighbors suffer, we feel it too in many ways. This is a reminder for all of us in South Asia to collaborate on disaster preparedness and early warning systems. Jai Hind.
K
Kavya N
The damage to the iconic mosque in the November quake is a cultural loss for the world. These events are a double tragedy—loss of life and heritage. Stay strong, Afghanistan. 🤲

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