A powerful earthquake in Afghanistan affected areas extending into North India, Delhi-NCR, Punjab, and nearby regions, and people in high-rise buildings said they could feel the swaying, and some rushed outside. The quake started in the Hindu Kush region, which sees a lot of these deep earthquakes, and early reports say India didn’t suffer any major damage, but moments like this show just how connected and vulnerable South and Central Asia are when it comes to earthquakes.
What Were the Key Details of the Earthquake?
- Magnitude and Depth: This earthquake had an estimated magnitude of 5.8-6.2 on the Richter scale with a depth of 150-200 km, which makes it a deep focus earthquake.
- Location of Epicenter: This earthquake’s epicenter occurred in the northeastern part of Afghanistan, which is an area where the Indian plate collides with the Eurasian plate, hence making it prone to earthquakes.
- Earthquake in India: Cities such as Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Chandigarh, and parts of Uttar Pradesh experienced tremors for a few seconds.
- Classification of Seismic Zones: According to the Bureau of Indian Standards, Delhi falls in Zone IV seismic area, as it is a high-risk zone for damage.
- Historical Background: The Hindu Kush area experiences more than 1,000 earthquakes per year, which are mostly deep focus and wide-ranging in South Asia.
- Death Toll: Atleast eight have been reported dead in Afghanistan.
| Aspect | Details of Earthquake in Afghanistan |
|---|---|
| Earthquake Location | Northeastern Afghanistan (Hindu Kush region) |
| Magnitude | Approx. 5.8–6.2 |
| Detection Systems | Monitored using global seismic networks like USGS & IRIS |
| Frequency (Global) | Around 20% of global earthquakes are deep-focus events |
| Structural Impact | Tall buildings feel more motion due to long-period seismic waves |
| Plate Interaction | Caused by subducting tectonic plates sinking into the mantle |
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Why Are Seismic Activities from Afghanistan Felt in the Entire North India?
- Geological Connections: The Indian tectonic plate moves in the northern direction by 5 cm every year, striking against the Eurasian plate and causing tremors through larger regions.
- Deep Focus Quake: Any quake that occurs at more than 70 km depth moves farther away, thus creating seismic activities felt in India from Afghanistan.
- Amplification Due to Soil in NCR: Alluvial soil of Delhi amplifies seismic activities, even from a far-off location.
- Sensitive Urban Infrastructure: Tall structures in NCR experience swaying movements due to moderate seismic activities.
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Risks and Preparedness of Future Earthquakes
The northern part of India, and especially the Himalayas and connected plains, are very susceptible to earthquakes due to ongoing tectonic movement. In fact, according to the NDMA, 58.6% of India’s landmass is considered to be at moderate to severe levels of risk for earthquakes. As we’ve seen with past tremors originating from thousands of kilometers away in Afghanistan, seismic hazards do not know borders. Many urban centers, such as Delhi, with populations greater than 20 million, are particularly at risk due to a combination of factors, including stress on existing infrastructure and urban sprawl.
The recent tremors serve as a reminder of the connection between the two regions and that an earthquake in Afghanistan can produce widespread effects in northern India because of the same tectonic dynamic. Although no immediate damage has occurred, it has highlighted the need for preparedness, resilient infrastructure, and enhanced public education to reduce the hazard from future seismic events.
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