Earthquake of magnitude 5.7 strikes Afghanistan
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
Reader Comments
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.