A powerful earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale struck the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan early Monday morning, sending tremors across northern India, including Jammu & Kashmir, and parts of Pakistan.
Epicenter and Seismic Details
According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the quake occurred at 00:47:41 IST, with its epicenter located at latitude 34.50°N and longitude 70.81°E, at a depth of 160 kilometers. The region is known for its seismic activity due to its location along the Indian-Eurasian tectonic plate boundary.
Aftershocks and Regional Impact
The initial tremor was followed by a series of aftershocks ranging between 4.3 and 5.0 magnitude, occurring at varying depths between 40 km and 140 km. These intermediate-depth quakes are considered more dangerous due to their potential to cause significant ground shaking.
Residents in Jammu & Kashmir reported feeling the tremors, though no immediate damage or casualties were reported in India. Authorities in Afghanistan are assessing the impact, especially in remote mountainous areas where infrastructure is vulnerable.
Why the Hindu Kush Is Earthquake-Prone
The Hindu Kush mountain range is one of the most seismically active regions in the world. It sits atop a complex network of fault lines, making it susceptible to frequent and intense earthquakes. The region has witnessed multiple high-magnitude quakes in recent years, including a devastating 7.5 magnitude quake in 2015.
