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5.7 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Afghanistan, Following Recent Tremors

A significant earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale struck Afghanistan, occurring at a depth of 70 kilometers. This event follows two other recent tremors in the country earlier in February. Afghanistan is highly prone to earthquakes due to its location on a major tectonic plate collision zone and a significant fault line. The United Nations notes that repeated natural disasters severely impact communities already weakened by conflict and underdevelopment.

Key Points: Afghanistan Hit by 5.7 Magnitude Earthquake

  • Magnitude 5.7 quake at 70km depth
  • Part of recent seismic activity in the region
  • Located in a highly active seismic zone
  • Vulnerability compounded by conflict and poverty
2 min read

Earthquake of magnitude 5.7 strikes Afghanistan

A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck Afghanistan, the latest in a series of tremors in the seismically active region vulnerable to natural disasters.

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

Kabul, February 20

An earthquake of magnitude 5.7 struck Afghanistan on Friday, according to the National Centre for Seismology said.

The earthquake occurred at a depth of 70km.

In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 5.7, On: 20/02/2026 18:39:54 IST, Lat: 35.52 N, Long: 69.98 E, Depth: 70 Km, Location: Afghanistan."

Earlier, on February 15, an earthquake of magnitude 4.3 struck Afghanistan at a depth of 110km.

In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 4.3, On: 15/02/2026 04:28:14 IST, Lat: 36.55 N, Long: 70.68 E, Depth: 110 Km, Location: Afghanistan."

On February 13, another earthquake of magnitude 4.6 occurred in Afghanistan occurred at a depth of 135km.

In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 4.6, On: 13/02/2026 03:42:38 IST, Lat: 36.55 N, Long: 67.82 E, Depth: 135 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.

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 it's due to the Indian and Eurasian plates. We feel tremors in North India sometimes from Afghan quakes. Our disaster management agencies should also be on alert.
D
David E
While the sentiment is right, the reporting feels a bit clinical—just coordinates and magnitudes. It misses the human story. How many villages were affected? What's the actual damage on the ground? That's what matters.
A
Anjali F
Bhagwan unki raksha kare. It's a double tragedy—first man-made, now natural disasters. India should offer humanitarian assistance as a good neighbor, regardless of politics.
K
Karthik V
The Hindu Kush region is always active. Makes you realize how powerful nature is. We take stable ground for granted. Time to check our own earthquake preparedness in Himalayan states.
S
Sarah B
The depth of 70km is quite deep, which might have limited surface damage. But as the article says, repeated tremors on top of existing poverty is a recipe for a major humanitarian crisis. The world needs to pay attention.

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

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