Key Points:
- Magnitude 4.9 Quake: A 4.9-magnitude earthquake hit Afghanistan early Friday at a depth of 160 km, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS).
- Panic Among Residents: Tremors caused people to rush out of their homes in fear, but no significant damage or casualties have been reported so far.
- Seismic Activity in the Region: This follows a 4.0-magnitude earthquake on March 13, highlighting Afghanistan’s vulnerability to frequent seismic events.
- Geological Factors: Afghanistan’s location near the Hindu Kush makes it prone to earthquakes due to tectonic plate collisions.
Kabul: Afghanistan experienced another earthquake in the early hours of Friday, March 21, with a magnitude of 4.9 on the Richter scale. The quake struck at 1:00 AM local time at a depth of 160 kilometers, as reported by the National Center for Seismology (NCS). While no major damage has been reported, the tremors caused panic among residents, prompting many to leave their homes in fear.
Recent Earthquakes in Afghanistan
This incident comes just days after a 4.0-magnitude earthquake was recorded on March 13 at a depth of only 10 kilometers. Experts warn that shallow earthquakes like the March 13 event are typically more destructive because they release energy closer to the Earth’s surface, causing stronger ground shaking.
Why Afghanistan is Prone to Earthquakes
Afghanistan’s geographical location near the Hindu Kush mountain range makes it one of the most seismically active regions in the world. The country lies at the intersection of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, where constant geological pressure leads to frequent seismic activity. Fault lines such as the Chaman Fault and subduction zones contribute to both deep and shallow earthquakes in this region.
The Hindu Kush region is particularly known for its deep-focus earthquakes, which occur at depths exceeding 150 kilometers. While these quakes are less likely to cause surface-level destruction compared to shallow ones, they still pose risks due to their widespread impact.
Historical Context: Devastating Earthquakes
Afghanistan has a long history of devastating earthquakes. In October 2023, a series of powerful quakes measuring up to 6.3 magnitude struck Herat province, killing thousands and leaving tens of thousands homeless. The country’s vulnerability is exacerbated by its mountainous terrain, poorly constructed buildings, and decades of conflict that have weakened infrastructure.
Community Impact and Preparedness
Natural disasters like earthquakes add further strain to Afghan communities already grappling with economic challenges and underdevelopment. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), Afghanistan’s resilience against such shocks remains low due to limited resources and inadequate disaster preparedness measures.
While no significant damage has been reported from today’s earthquake, experts emphasize the need for improved building standards and emergency response systems in Afghanistan to mitigate future risks.
