A powerful earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale struck Afghanistan late Sunday night, resulting in reports of around 20 deaths, according to BBC sources. The tremors were strong enough to be felt across the border in Pakistan, including cities like Islamabad and Abbottabad.
The National Center for Seismology (NCS) reported that the earthquake’s epicentre was 160 km below the earth’s surface. The quake was recorded at 12:47 AM (IST), and was followed by multiple aftershocks: a 4.7 magnitude quake at 140 km depth, a 4.3 magnitude tremor at the same depth, and a 5.0 magnitude aftershock at 40 km depth.
A History of Strong Earthquakes in Afghanistan
Afghanistan is located between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it highly prone to earthquakes. The active Hindu Kush mountain range in the region sees frequent seismic activity. The fault line extends up to Herat in Afghanistan, and any tectonic movement can trigger significant earthquakes.
On 7 October 2023, Afghanistan was hit by another 6.3 magnitude earthquake, which the Taliban government claimed killed 4,000 people, while the United Nations confirmed 1,500 deaths. That disaster was considered one of the country’s worst natural calamities in recent years.
Why Do Earthquakes Occur?
The earth’s surface is made up of seven major and several smaller tectonic plates that are constantly moving. Sometimes these plates collide, and the edges bend under pressure. When the stress becomes too great, the plates can break, releasing energy from below the surface and causing an earthquake.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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