A powerful earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale struck eastern Afghanistan late Sunday night, sending shockwaves across Pakistan and northern India. The tremors were felt strongly in Delhi and surrounding NCR areas, where frightened residents rushed out of their homes as buildings swayed for several seconds.
According to officials, the epicenter was near Jalalabad in Nangarhar province, close to the Pakistan border, at a shallow depth that amplified the impact. Afghanistan bore the worst of the damage, with at least nine people killed and over 15 injured. Several homes were damaged, and aftershocks measuring between 4.3 and 5.0 further rattled the region.
In Punjab and parts of Uttar Pradesh, people also reported feeling the ground shake, though no major damage was recorded in India. Emergency services in Afghanistan have been deployed to the affected districts, while local hospitals are treating the injured. Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities fear the death toll may rise.
Earthquakes are frequent in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region, where tectonic plates often collide, triggering seismic activity. Experts have warned that more aftershocks could follow. In India, the National Disaster Management Authority has urged citizens to remain calm but stay alert for further tremors.
