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Key Points

A 4.5 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan, marking the fourth tremor in recent days. The National Center for Seismology confirmed the quake originated 120km deep in the geologically active Hindu Kush region. Afghanistan’s location on multiple fault lines makes it vulnerable to frequent seismic events. The UN highlights the heightened risk for communities already weakened by conflict and natural disasters.

Key Points: 4.5 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Afghanistan Amid Seismic Surge

  • 4.5 magnitude quake follows three recent tremors in Afghanistan
  • Hindu Kush region prone to seismic activity
  • Tectonic plate collisions drive frequent earthquakes
  • UN warns of low resilience in conflict-hit communities
2 min read

Earthquake of magnitude 4.5 rocks Afghanistan

Afghanistan struck by 4.5 magnitude quake, fourth in days amid active fault lines. NCS reports depth at 120km.

"EQ of M: 4.5, On: 24/05/2025 14:27:53 IST, Lat: 36.60 N, Long: 71.39 E – National Center for Seismology"

Kabul, May 24

An earthquake of magnitude 4.5 jolted Afghanistan on Saturday, a statement by the National Center for Seismology (NCS) said.

As per the NCS, the earthquake occurred at 120km.

In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 4.5, On: 24/05/2025 14:27:53 IST, Lat: 36.60 N, Long: 71.39 E, Depth: 120 Km, Location: Afghanistan."

https://x.com/NCS_Earthquake/status/1926205097094074667

Earlier on May 19, an earthquake of magnitude 4.2 hit Afghanistan, being the fourth consecutive earthquake to hit the country in the last four days.

Sharing the details in a post on X, NCS said that the earthquake occurred at a depth of 140 kilometers at 08:54 hours (Indian Standard Time).

"EQ of M: 4.2, On: 19/05/2025 08:54:18 IST, Lat: 36.41 N, Long: 70.94 E, Depth: 140 Km, Location: Afghanistan," NCS said.

https://x.com/NCS_Earthquake/status/1924313237044031522

Earlier on May 18, an earthquake of magnitude 4.5 had jolted Afghanistan. As per the NCS, the earthquake occurred at a depth of 150km.

https://x.com/NCS_Earthquake/status/1923988718072873223

Previously on May 17, an earthquake of magnitude 4.2 struck the region.

In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 4.2, On: 17/05/2025 16:26:34 IST, Lat: 36.37 N, Long: 69.83 E, Depth: 120 Km, Location: Afghanistan."

https://x.com/NCS_Earthquake/status/1923697871372558698

Afghanistan has a history of powerful earthquakes, and the Hindu Kush Mountain range is a geologically active area where quakes occur every year, according to the Red Cross.

Afghanistan sits on numerous fault lines between the Indian and the Eurasian tectonic plates, with a fault line also running directly through Herat. Its location on several active fault lines along the collision zone between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates makes it a seismically active region. These plates meet and collide, causing frequent seismic activity.

As per the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), Afghanistan remains highly vulnerable to natural disasters, including seasonal flooding, landslides and earthquakes.

These frequent earthquakes in Afghanistan cause damage to vulnerable communities, which are already grappling with decades of conflict and under-development and have left them with little resilience to cope with multiple simultaneous shocks, UNOCHA noted.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Frequent earthquakes in Afghanistan are concerning. Though it's not directly affecting India, we share the same seismic zone. Our disaster management agencies should study these patterns carefully. Stay safe neighbors 🙏
P
Priya M.
The Hindu Kush region is so unstable! I remember the 2005 Kashmir earthquake that affected both India and Pakistan. We need better cross-border disaster response coordination in South Asia. Nature doesn't recognize borders.
A
Amit S.
Our National Center for Seismology is doing great work tracking these quakes. But I wonder - why are we getting such detailed reports about Afghanistan? Shouldn't we focus more on our own seismic zones like the Himalayas?
N
Neha P.
So sad to hear about these continuous quakes 😔 The people there are already suffering so much. India should offer humanitarian aid if needed - disasters don't care about politics. #HumanityFirst
S
Sanjay R.
The article mentions these quakes are deep (120-150km). That's why there's less surface damage. But frequent smaller quakes can be precursors to bigger ones. Our NDMA should monitor this closely.
M
Meena T.
Interesting how the Indian tectonic plate affects regions so far north! Geography connects us all. Hope the Afghan people stay safe - they've endured enough suffering already. Maybe SAARC countries can collaborate on earthquake preparedness?

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