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4.5 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Afghanistan, Part of a Seismic Cluster

A magnitude 4.5 earthquake struck Afghanistan on January 1, occurring at a significant depth of 113 kilometers. This event is the latest in a cluster of tremors, following magnitudes 4.1 and 4.0 quakes in the preceding days. Afghanistan's location on a major tectonic collision zone makes it highly prone to seismic activity, with a recent powerful quake in November causing casualties and damage. The nation's vulnerability is compounded by decades of conflict, leaving communities with minimal resilience to withstand such repeated natural shocks.

Key Points: Afghanistan Hit by 4.5 Magnitude Earthquake, More Tremors Reported

  • Magnitude 4.5 quake at 113 km depth
  • Part of a recent seismic cluster
  • Region is a highly active seismic zone
  • Communities have minimal resilience after decades of conflict
2 min read

Earthquake of magnitude 4.5 strikes Afghanistan

A 4.5 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan at 113 km depth. It follows recent 4.1 and 4.0 tremors in a region highly vulnerable to seismic activity.

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

Kabul, January 1

An earthquake of magnitude 4.5 struck Afghanistan on Thursday, a statement by the National Center for Seismology said.

The earthquake occurred at a depth of 113 km.

In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 4.5, On: 01/01/2026 11:43:52 IST, Lat: 36.49 N, Long: 71.35 E, Depth: 113 Km, Location: Afghanistan."

On December 29, an earthquake of magnitude 4.1 struck the region at a depth of 109km.

In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 4.1, On: 29/12/2025 02:49:40 IST, Lat: 36.14 N, Long: 70.53 E, Depth: 109 Km, Location: Afghanistan."

Earlier on December 27, another earthquake of magnitude 4.0 struck the region at a depth of 110km.

In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 4.0, On: 27/12/2025 12:04:34 IST, Lat: 36.53 N, Long: 71.63 E, Depth: 110 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

S
Sarah B
The article mentions the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates. It's a stark reminder that geological forces don't care about borders. I hope international aid can reach those affected, especially after the bigger quake in November.
R
Rohit P
Magnitude 4.5 at that depth might not cause major damage, but it's the frequency that's worrying. Three quakes in a week! The Hindu Kush region is very active. Makes you appreciate the relative seismic stability in most of India, though we have our own zones.
P
Priyanka N
While the report is factual, I wish there was more focus on the humanitarian angle. What is India or other neighbors doing to help? We share the same tectonic stresses. Disaster diplomacy could be a way forward.
M
Michael C
The data from NCS is very precise. It's good to see our seismology center tracking events in the region so accurately. Knowledge sharing on earthquake preparedness between countries in South Asia is crucial.
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Kavya N
Allah unko sabar de. After wars and now this, their resilience is being tested beyond limits. The mention of the damaged mosque is particularly heartbreaking. Natural disasters are the great equalizer.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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