The event has raised serious concerns due to the area's high vulnerability and recent history of a deadly quake. (Image: Ref)
A significant, shallow earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 struck northern Afghanistan early Sunday, sending powerful tremors across a wide region and raising immediate concerns about potential damage and casualties. The quake has reignited fear in a region still recovering from a deadly tremor earlier this year.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake's epicenter was located in the Hindu Kush region of northern Afghanistan, near the city of Mazar-i-Sharif in the Khulm district. At 1:29 AM local time, the earthquake hit at a shallow depth of just 10 kilometers (around 6 miles). This shallow depth made the shaking on the surface much stronger than usual, posing a greater threat to buildings and infrastructure.
The strong earthquake was felt across a wide region, showing how intense it was. Tremors reached Kabul, the Afghan capital, more than 300 kilometers from the epicenter. The shaking also crossed borders, with reports coming in from Islamabad in Pakistan and Mashhad in Iran. This wide reach suggests a substantial release of energy, causing concern for populations in both densely populated cities and remote villages closer to the epicenter who are most vulnerable to building collapses. There are no immediate reports on casualties.
Also Read: What Did Obama Say? The 30-Minute Call With Zohran Mamdani Fueling Political Speculation
The powerful earthquake has set off high alert since it follows a 6.0-magnitude tremor that struck the same region months earlier, leaving at least 800 dead and hundreds injured. The new shock adds to the pain of communities still trying to rebuild. In many affected parts of Afghanistan, weak building structures heighten the danger of further collapse and casualties, while official updates are still awaited.
Disclaimer: This is a developing story, and initial reports may be subject to change. Information on casualties and damage will be updated as official sources provide confirmation.
