Late this Thursday, a magnitude 6.4 earthquake rattled northeastern Afghanistan, registering across multiple cities including Kabul. At this stage, authorities report no casualties or material destruction linked to the event, though assessments continue and monitoring remains active across the region.
Significant earthquake, preliminary information: M 6.4 – 44 km SSW of Jurm, Afghanistan [Citation: USGS].
— USGS Earthquakes [Citation: USGS_Quakes] (event update posted on January 11, 2024)
The tremor occurred at 14:50 local time in Afghanistan (10:20 GMT). The epicenter was recorded at a depth of roughly 206 kilometers in the Badakhshan region, within the Hindu Kush mountain system that runs along the border areas. Authorities note that the seismic activity was felt across a wide area, including major urban centers and nearby regions.
In addition to Kabul, residents in Takhar, Laghman and Kunar provinces reported perceptible shaking. The quake was also reported by observers in northern parts of India and Pakistan, including the national capital area of New Delhi, highlighting how seismic events in the Hindu Kush can be felt far beyond their immediate epicenters.
“So far, there has been no news of any loss of life from that district and surrounding areas. If something happens, we will report it.” — Mohammad Kamgar, disaster management director for Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, quoted in coverage from EFE. [Citation: EFE]
Afghanistan’s seismic history shows the Hindu Kush as a persistent source of earthquakes, especially given the country’s rugged, mountainous terrain. This region’s geology, driven by the ongoing Indo-Australian and Eurasian plate interactions, creates frequent rupture events that reverberate through populated valleys and towns. [Citation: USGS]
Much of the risk in Afghanistan relates not only to earthquake magnitude but to the structural resilience of built infrastructure. While many modern constructions can withstand moderate shaking, older and poorly maintained buildings contribute to higher vulnerability during seismic events. In addition, the region’s supply chains and emergency response networks can be strained by rapid aftershocks and concurrent environmental hazards. [Citation: UN/INGOs]
Historically, the area has experienced notable seismic episodes. One of the most devastating in recent memory occurred in Herat Province on October 7, when a 6.3 magnitude quake and subsequent powerful aftershocks caused widespread destruction across dozens of villages, resulting in substantial loss of life and extensive injuries. The impact underscored the need for resilient housing, improved disaster preparedness, and robust relief operations. [Citation: Historical records]
The recent tremor did not end the sequence of shaking. Seismologists observed continuing, albeit diminishing, ground movement as aftershocks and secondary waves propagated through the region. Relief efforts and humanitarian supplies were mobilized in the days that followed, with local authorities coordinating with national agencies and international partners to assess damage and deliver essential aid. [Citation: official briefings]
As the region recovers from this event, experts emphasize the importance of earthquake-ready infrastructure, community education on safe practices during seismic activity, and continued monitoring to anticipate potential aftershocks. The experience serves as a reminder that even moderate earthquakes in complex tectonic zones can have outsized impacts on communities with varying levels of preparedness. [Citation: seismic safety guidance]