4.6-magnitude earthquake jolts Afghanistan, No major damage reported so far

A moderate earthquake measuring 4.6 on the Richter scale struck Afghanistan early Thursday, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS). The tremor was recorded at 02:20 AM IST, with the epicentre located at approximately latitude 36.43° N, longitude 71.20° E, and a depth of about 140 km.

While the country has endured deadly quakes in recent months, this particular event appears to have caused no reported casualties or significant structural damage so far. Officials monitoring the situation say that due to the quake’s comparatively moderate magnitude and relatively deep focal depth, the shaking was less intense at the surface than in shallower, more destructive events.

Nevertheless, the incident underscores the enduring seismic risk in Afghanistan. The country lies in a highly active tectonic zone where the Hindu Kush mountain range intersects the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates, making even moderate tremors of concern.

The occurrence follows a series of stronger earthquakes in Afghanistan this year, including a magnitude-6.3 quake in early November that caused casualties and damage.

As assessments continue, officials say they will clarify if any delayed damage emerges such as minor structural cracks, landslides in mountainous terrain, or effects in remote areas. For now, no urgent humanitarian response has been triggered.