Moderate earthquakes rattle Afghanistan, Pakistan and China

A series of moderate earthquakes struck Afghanistan, Pakistan, and China’s Xinjiang region on Thursday, according to data released by the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), raising renewed concerns about seismic vulnerability across the tectonically active Himalayan belt.

The NCS reported that a magnitude 4.4 earthquake hit Afghanistan at around 03:40 am (IST) at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres, making the area susceptible to aftershocks. The tremor was centred at latitude 34.55°N and longitude 70.62°E. In Pakistan, a separate magnitude 4.3 earthquake struck at 02:28 am (IST) at a much deeper depth of 240 kilometres, with its epicentre located near 36.37°N, 71.67°E.

Earlier, Pakistan also experienced smaller tremors, including one of magnitude 3.6 on November 1 and another of magnitude 3.7 on October 24, both in northern regions near the Hindu Kush range. Meanwhile, China’s Xinjiang province recorded a magnitude 4.7 earthquake at a depth of 220 kilometres, around 06:32 am (IST). The area has been witnessing a pattern of moderate seismic activity in recent months, following earlier quakes in September and October.

Experts noted that while deep-focus earthquakes generally cause less surface damage, shallow quakes like the one in Afghanistan tend to be far more destructive. “Seismic waves from shallow earthquakes travel a shorter distance to the surface, leading to stronger ground shaking and greater damage potential,” said an NCS official.

The latest quake in Afghanistan comes days after a powerful tremor earlier in the week that killed 27 people and injured nearly 1,000 others, according to Tolo News . Many displaced families in Samangan and Khulm provinces are currently sheltering in schools and public buildings, struggling with the onset of cold weather. Survivors described losing homes, livestock, and family members, and appealed for urgent assistance as winter approaches.

The region’s geography and climate compound the risks. The mountainous Hindu Kush–Himalayan belt, formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, is among the most seismically active zones in the world. Harsh winters, heavy snowfall, and monsoon rains often follow major tremors, triggering landslides and flooding that complicate rescue and relief operations.

Experts warn that climate change may worsen the aftermath of such disasters. Increased rainfall and glacial melting weaken slopes and soil, heightening the risk of landslides after even moderate earthquakes. Rapid, unplanned urbanisation further increases vulnerability, as many cities and villages across Afghanistan, Pakistan, and western China have large numbers of non-engineered structures that are not built to withstand seismic shocks.

Historically, earthquakes in this region have caused enormous social and economic damage. The 2005 Kashmir earthquake in Pakistan killed nearly 87,000 people, while China’s 2008 Sichuan quake claimed almost 90,000 lives and caused losses exceeding USD 150 billion. Afghanistan’s 2022 Paktika earthquake left over 1,000 people dead and thousands homeless.

Experts emphasise that without stronger building codes, early warning systems, and improved post-disaster preparedness, even moderate earthquakes could lead to widespread devastation in the years ahead.