According to Afghan news outlet Tolo News, the earthquake was felt in the capital, Kabul, as well as Nangarhar province and several surrounding areas. The tremor prompted concern among residents, although there were no immediate reports of injuries, deaths or damage to property in Afghanistan.
The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) reported that the earthquake measured 5.2 in magnitude. Earthquakes of this strength can be felt over a considerable area and may cause objects to shake, particularly in buildings. The extent of any damage depends on factors including the depth of the earthquake, the distance from its epicentre, local ground conditions and the quality of buildings.
In Pakistan, the tremor was also felt in several locations in the north-western province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the northern territory of Gilgit-Baltistan, according to Pakistani news outlet Geo News.
As in Afghanistan, no immediate reports of casualties or damage were available from the affected areas in Pakistan.
Both countries are situated in a seismically active region where the movement and interaction of tectonic plates can trigger earthquakes. Afghanistan, in particular, is vulnerable to seismic activity because of its location near the boundary between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. Pakistan also experiences frequent earthquakes, especially in its northern and western mountainous regions.
The impact of an earthquake depends not only on its magnitude but also on its depth and proximity to populated areas. Even moderate tremors can pose risks to vulnerable buildings and infrastructure, particularly in mountainous communities where access for emergency services may be difficult.
Authorities and residents in the affected areas will need to remain alert to any subsequent updates on the earthquake’s impact. However, based on the initial reports, there was no immediate indication of significant casualties or damage in either country.
Further information about the earthquake’s epicentre, depth and any possible aftershocks was not provided in the initial reports.
