On Thursday, a 6.1-magnitude earthquake shook the Hindu Kush region in Afghanistan, causing tremors felt across Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) and parts of north India. The quake’s epicenter, located 241 kilometers north-northeast of Kabul, struck at 2:50 pm IST. Afghanistan has experienced multiple quakes of magnitude 6 and above since October of the previous year. Reports from Delhi and NCR described panic among residents, with many noting the shaking of furniture. However, there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties in the affected areas. Simultaneously, parts of Pakistan also experienced seismic activity, with a 6.0 magnitude earthquake striking in the Hindu Kush region. The quake, occurring at 2:20 pm local time, had its epicenter at a depth of 213 kilometers. Cities such as Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, and Muzaffarabad in the contested Himalayan region of Kashmir felt the tremors. In Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital, people quickly evacuated buildings as the tremors were felt. Residents in Peshawar similarly left their homes and workplaces in response to the shaking. Mohammad Khan, a 65-year-old from Peshawar, drew on past experiences, stating, “Having experienced strong earthquakes before, I instantly knew this one was no less than magnitude 6.” Sahiba Bibi, living on the outskirts of Islamabad, recounted her experience during the earthquake.
Despite the considerable alarm and evacuations prompted by the quake, no immediate reports of damage were received in either India or Pakistan. Bilal Faizi, a representative for Pakistan’s emergency services, mentioned that police and rescue teams had been instructed to report any earthquake-related damages.
Officials in Pakistan-administered Kashmir confirmed no damages but noted the panic that led people to vacate their homes and offices as a precautionary measure. The seismic activity in these regions is not uncommon, given their location along a dynamic continental plate boundary. Pakistan, in particular, has a history of earthquakes, with a devastating 7.6 magnitude quake in 2005 resulting in thousands of casualties in both Pakistan and Kashmir. The recent earthquake serves as a reminder of the seismic vulnerability of these regions and the importance of preparedness. Authorities in affected areas are vigilant, with emergency services ready to respond to any reports of damage or distress caused by seismic activities. In conclusion, the earthquake with its epicenter in the Hindu Kush region had a significant impact on both Afghanistan and its neighboring countries, triggering panic and evacuations. Fortunately, initial reports suggest no major damage or casualties, highlighting the resilience of communities in the face of seismic challenges.