A strong earthquake struck northern Afghanistan late Sunday at a magnitude of 6.3, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported.
The quake hit about 13 miles west-southwest of Khulm, which is about 230 miles northwest of the capital city of Kabul.
There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The USGS labeled the event as orange, meaning casualties were expected due to the strength of the quake.
Newsweek reached out to the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority by email Sunday.
Why It Matters
Earthquakes at strengths above 6.0 magnitude are considered major and often cause damage, injuries and even deaths.
The depth of the earthquake was around 17 miles, meaning it may have been felt more by people on the surface and may have caused more damage.
Afghanistan’s susceptibility to such disasters is heightened by its position atop several major fault lines, poor-quality housing, and challenging terrain, with recent precedent showing the grave danger posed by shallow and powerful quakes.
The latest seismic event comes after an earthquake in August left thousands of people in the country dead and reduced villages to rubble. Another 6.3-magnitude earthquake took place in western Afghanistan in October 2023 that also killed thousands of people.
What To Know
The 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck in the Hindu Kush region late Sunday into Monday morning, according to the USGS.
The Hindu Kush, a large mountain range that runs through Afghanistan into Pakistan and Tajikistan, is subject to seismic activity due to the position near the tectonic plate boundary between the Indian and Eurasian plates.
While no immediate injuries or damage was reported, local authorities will release information as it becomes available.
The quake comes just two months after a powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan resulting in thousands of deaths and widespread destruction across several provinces. The quake left entire villages destroyed, infrastructure crippled, and thousands in need of aid, with people still working to recover from the earthquake when the next one hit.
What People Are Saying
Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority said in a statement to CNN: “Several provinces of the country were once again shaken by a strong earthquake at around 1 a.m. (3:30 p.m. ET Sunday). Significant casualties are likely and the disaster is potentially widespread. Past events with this alert level have required a regional or national level response.”
Rahima, a former school teacher, told CNN: “I had never experienced such a strong earthquake in my life. I am happy that my house is made of concrete in the city. I don’t know if houses made of mud have survived this earthquake in the outskirts of the city.”
What Happens Next?
Authorities will provide updates on potential damage, injuries and deaths, while officials continue to monitor seismic activity in the region.