5.9 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Afghanistan, Felt in Northern India
A magnitude 5.9 earthquake hit Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush on April 16, 2025, felt in northern India, including Delhi-NCR. While there were no casualties, conflicting magnitude assessments prompted discussions about disaster readiness. Experts highlighted regional tectonic patterns’ role in accuracy and the need for urgent infrastructure improvements in disaster-prone areas, particularly in Afghanistan, which struggles with both seismic risks and humanitarian challenges.
On April 16, 2025, at 4:43 a.m. IST, a magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan, affecting parts of northern India including Delhi-NCR, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). The quake, occurring at a depth of 75 km, caused widespread public alarm but resulted in no immediate casualties or structural damage. Discussions focused on conflicting magnitude assessments and the need for improved disaster preparedness in vulnerable areas.
The earthquake was centered at latitude 35.83°N and longitude 70.60°E, approximately 164 km east of Baghlan province. While the NCS confirmed the earthquake’s magnitude at 5.9, initial reports from the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) had indicated a 6.4 magnitude before revising it down to 5.6. Experts highlighted that these discrepancies stem from different methodologies for measuring seismic waves.
Dr. OP Mishra, Director of NCS, explained that their readings are calibrated to regional tectonic patterns, which enhances accuracy in South Asian contexts. The quake’s depth likely mitigated its destructive potential, allowing densely populated areas to escape severe damage.
On social media, DelhiEarthquake trended shortly after the tremors. Users shared videos of moving furniture and swaying ceiling fans, with some expressing disbelief at the unexpected event. Criticism arose regarding the lack of official alerts, leading to discussions on the effectiveness of India’s disaster preparedness. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) later confirmed that no damage had been reported in India and urged citizens to remain calm.
The Hindu Kush region is known for its seismic activity due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. Afghanistan’s weak infrastructure, a result of ongoing conflicts, increases its susceptibility to disasters. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) reported that a previous earthquake in 2023 displaced over 40,000 people.
A Red Cross spokesperson stated, “Recurring disasters strain limited resources, leaving communities in perpetual recovery mode.” Local NGOs noted that around 70% of homes in Afghanistan lack earthquake-resistant designs, highlighting a critical gap in risk mitigation strategies.
This incident emphasizes the connection between disaster resilience and socio-political stability. While India’s infrastructure helped prevent a crisis, Afghanistan’s challenges showcase the disproportionate impact of natural disasters on vulnerable states. Initiatives like India’s 2021 commitment to support disaster-resilient housing in Afghanistan should be revisited, especially as climate change escalates seismic risks. Effective humanitarian cooperation must transcend geopolitical tensions to address these urgent issues.
In conclusion, the 5.9 magnitude earthquake in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region underscores the importance of disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure, particularly in vulnerable areas. Conflicting magnitude reports reveal the challenges in seismic measurements and highlight the need for accurate regional assessments. As natural disasters increasingly affect fragile states like Afghanistan, it is essential for collaborative humanitarian efforts to bridge the gap and foster resilience against future seismic events.
Original Source: thelogicalindian.com
