9 Killed in 6.0-Magnitude Earthquake in Afghanistan, Tremors Felt in Delhi-NCR

Kabul/New Delhi – A powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan late Sunday, killing at least nine people and injuring several others, according to early reports from local authorities. The tremors were felt across large parts of Pakistan and northern India, including the Delhi-NCR region, sending residents rushing out of their homes in panic.

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Epicenter and Impact

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake’s epicenter was located in northern Afghanistan at a shallow depth, intensifying the shaking across the region. Strong tremors were reported in Kabul, Islamabad, Lahore, and New Delhi, with shaking lasting several seconds.

In Afghanistan’s northern provinces, several houses collapsed, leading to fatalities and injuries. Emergency services are currently engaged in rescue and relief operations, though access to some remote areas remains limited due to poor infrastructure and security challenges.

Scenes Across the Region

• In Kabul, residents reported running out of homes as buildings swayed and walls cracked.

• In Delhi-NCR, thousands of people rushed outdoors late at night as tremors rattled high-rises, especially in Noida and Gurugram. Social media was flooded with videos showing ceiling fans swaying and people gathering on the streets.

• In Pakistan, cities including Islamabad and Rawalpindi also felt the tremors, though no major damage was reported there.

Authorities Urge Calm

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed the quake’s intensity and said aftershocks may follow in the coming hours. Officials urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading panic through unverified information.

Disaster management teams in India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan are closely monitoring the situation. Meanwhile, hospitals in Afghanistan’s quake-hit zones have been put on high alert to treat the injured.

A Region Prone to Quakes

Afghanistan and the surrounding Hindu Kush region are highly seismically active due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. Earthquakes in this region have historically been devastating, with poor construction standards making communities particularly vulnerable.

Just last year, a similar quake killed dozens in eastern Afghanistan, highlighting the country’s fragile preparedness in dealing with natural disasters.

Looking Ahead

As rescue operations continue, the death toll may rise. Officials in India and Pakistan have confirmed no immediate casualties on their soil but remain on watch for aftershocks. For Afghanistan, still grappling with humanitarian and economic crises, the earthquake adds another layer of suffering for already vulnerable communities.