Afghanistan Struck by 4.9-Magnitude Earthquake Amid Rising Seismic Activity
Afghanistan experienced a 4.9-magnitude earthquake on March 21, 2025, following a 4.0-magnitude quake on March 13. The shallower quake posed a greater risk of destruction. Afghanistan’s vulnerability to seismic activity is heightened due to its location on fault lines, with compounding effects from its socio-economic challenges, exacerbated by years of conflict.
On March 21, 2025, Afghanistan experienced a 4.9-magnitude earthquake at a depth of 160 km. The earthquake’s coordinates were recorded at 36.48 N latitude and 71.45 E longitude. This event follows a 4.0-magnitude quake that struck the region just days earlier on March 13, occurring at a shallow depth of 10 km, which increased the likelihood of aftershocks due to its shallower position in the crust.
Seismologists noted that the shallower earthquake of March 13 tends to be more damaging, as it releases energy closer to the Earth’s surface, resulting in stronger tremors. This is a critical factor in assessing the potential damage from seismic events. The National Center for Seismology (NCS) confirmed the details of both earthquakes and highlighted the dangers related to earthquakes in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan’s vulnerability to natural disasters is further exacerbated by its history of conflict and underdevelopment. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), the country faces multiple risks from earthquakes, landslides, and floods. This situation intensifies the challenges for communities already under strain due to socioeconomic hardships.
Strategically situated within a highly active seismic zone, particularly in the Hindu Kush region, Afghanistan grapples with frequent seismic activity. The tectonics in this region involve multiple faults between the Indian and Eurasian plates, with a significant fault passing through Herat. This geographical predisposition illustrates the consistent threat earthquakes pose to the nation.
Afghanistan continues to endure the impacts of seismic activity, with recent earthquakes raising concerns about safety and infrastructure. The combination of shallow earthquakes and the nation’s vulnerability due to adverse geographical and socio-economic factors calls for increased disaster preparedness and response measures. Continuous monitoring and preparedness are vital to mitigating the risks associated with such natural disasters in this tectonically active region.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
