A powerful earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale struck the Hindu Kush region in Afghanistan early Wednesday morning, April 16, 2025, causing tremors across several South Asian countries. The quake occurred at approximately 4:43 AM IST and was recorded at a depth of 75 kilometers, with its epicenter located at latitude 35.83°N and longitude 70.60°E, according to the National Centre for Seismology.

The tremors were felt across northern India, Pakistan, and Tajikistan, alarming residents and prompting emergency assessments in several regions. Despite the intensity of the quake, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or major structural damage. However, authorities are closely monitoring the situation, especially in rural and mountainous areas where communication is limited.

Afghanistan lies in a seismically active region where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates collide. The Hindu Kush mountain range, in particular, is known for frequent seismic activity, often experiencing moderate to strong earthquakes. The region’s complex fault lines and geological instability make it one of the most earthquake-prone zones in South Asia.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) has repeatedly warned about the vulnerability of Afghan communities to natural disasters. Many parts of the country are already grappling with poor infrastructure, conflict, and limited resources, which reduce their ability to respond effectively to such shocks. Earthquakes in these regions not only threaten lives and property but also deepen the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

The latest earthquake comes after a series of recent seismic events in Afghanistan. On March 21, a magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck the region at a depth of 160 kilometers. Just over a week earlier, on March 13, a 4.0 magnitude quake occurred at a shallower depth of 10 kilometers. These incidents underscore the persistent seismic activity in the area and the urgent need for disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience.

Experts continue to urge both local and international organizations to support Afghanistan in building safer structures and improving emergency response systems. Given the region's frequent exposure to earthquakes, investing in preparedness and risk reduction remains critical to protecting vulnerable populations.