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Key Points

Afghanistan has been struck by a series of earthquakes in under 24 hours. The latest 4.9 magnitude tremor follows two previous quakes of 5.8 and 4.1 magnitude. The World Food Programme is delivering emergency aid to affected provinces where over 1,400 people have been killed. Rescue operations face challenges from blocked roads and repeated aftershocks.

Key Points: Afghanistan Hit by 4.9 Magnitude Earthquake After 5.8 and 4.1 Tremors

  • A 4.9 magnitude quake struck Afghanistan early Friday
  • Two previous quakes of 5.8 and 4.1 hit the region Thursday night
  • Over 1,400 killed and 3,000 injured in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces
  • WFP sends emergency aid including food and high-energy biscuits
  • Rescue efforts are hindered by blocked roads and rugged terrain
  • Indian assistance of 21 tonnes of relief materials reaches Kabul
2 min read

Series of earthquakes strike Afghanistan in under 24 hours

A series of earthquakes strike Afghanistan within 24 hours, as the WFP delivers emergency aid to affected provinces where over 1,400 people have been killed.

"Homes reduced to rubble, roads destroyed, landslides everywhere, and tragically, lives lost. - Harald Mannhardt, WFP Regional Director"

Kabul, September 5

Afghanistan continued to reel under earthquakes as another tremor of magnitude 4.9 struck the nation in the early hours of Friday, as reported by the National Centre for Seismology (NCS).

Sharing the details on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 4.9, On: 05/09/2025 03:16:43 IST, Lat: 34.57 N, Long: 70.42 E, Depth: 120 Km, Location: Afghanistan. "

This came after two earthquakes of magnitudes 5.8 and 4.1 struck the region in the late hours of Thursday, as per the NCS.

According to the NCS, the first earthquake of 5.8 magnitude occurred at 10:26 PM on Thursday, and the second earthquake of 4.1 magnitude occurred at 11:58 PM on the same day.

"EQ of M: 5.8, On: 04/09/2025 22:26:29 IST, Lat: 34.58 N, Long: 70.66 E, Depth: 160 Km, Location: Afghanistan," the NCS said on X.

"EQ of M: 4.1, On: 04/09/2025 23:58:28 IST, Lat: 34.60 N, Long: 70.50 E, Depth: 50 Km, Location: Afghanistan," it said.

https://x.com/NCS_Earthquake/status/1963674810015260942

Meanwhile, the World Food Programme (WFP) has sent emergency aid to Afghanistan's quake-stricken Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, where more than 1,400 people have been killed and over 3,000 people injured, Khaama Press reported.

Initial aid shipments include food supplies and high-energy biscuits, with additional flights scheduled to deliver further assistance and personnel.

Khaama Press, citing the WFP in its report, noted that many of the communities affected by the earthquake were already struggling after recent flash floods, and worsening weather conditions now threaten to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.

Describing the devastation, WFP's regional director Harald Mannhardt said, "Homes reduced to rubble, roads destroyed, landslides everywhere, and tragically, lives lost."

He noted that teams are working alongside rescue efforts and are prepared to expand operations as needs grow. Rescue operations remain hindered by blocked roads, rugged terrain, and repeated aftershocks.

Earlier, on Tuesday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in a post on X, stated that Indian earthquake assistance has reached Kabul by air.

"Indian earthquake assistance reaches Kabul by air. 21 tonnes of relief materials, including blankets, tents, hygiene kits, water storage tanks, generators, kitchen utensils, portable water purifiers, sleeping bags, essential medicines, wheelchairs, hand sanitisers, water purification tablets, ORS solutions and medical consumables, were airlifted today," he said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Multiple earthquakes in 24 hours with blocked roads and rugged terrain - rescue operations must be incredibly challenging. Hope international aid reaches the affected people quickly. The death toll is already too high 😔
S
Sarah B
The depth of these earthquakes (120-160 km) explains why they're being felt across such a wide area. The geological instability in that region is concerning. Hope the aftershocks subside soon for rescue teams' safety.
A
Arjun K
This is nature's fury at its worst. Communities already struggling with flash floods now facing earthquakes - double tragedy. India's timely aid delivery shows our ancient cultural connection with Afghanistan transcends politics.
M
Michael C
While India's aid is commendable, I hope there's better coordination between all neighboring countries for disaster response. Natural disasters don't recognize borders, and collective regional effort could save more lives.
N
Nisha Z
The detailed reporting by NCS shows how advanced our seismic monitoring has become. But what's really needed is better early warning systems for vulnerable regions. Prevention and preparedness could save thousands of lives.

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