5.9 Magnitude Earthquake from Afghanistan Felt Across North India
A 5.9 magnitude earthquake, with its epicenter in Afghanistan, caused tremors across several parts of North India, including Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Haryana, and Jammu and Kashmir on Friday night. The earthquake struck at approximately 9:42-9:47 PM IST and lasted for a few seconds. While no significant damage or casualties were reported in India, the earthquake resulted in the deaths of at least eight people in Afghanistan.
Key Highlights
- Earthquake of magnitude 5.9 jolted North India.
- Epicenter located in Afghanistan's Hindu Kush region.
- Tremors felt across Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Haryana, J&K.
- Occurred on Friday night around 9:45 PM IST.
- No major damage or casualties reported in India.
- At least eight fatalities in Afghanistan.
A moderate earthquake of magnitude 5.9 struck the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan on Friday night, April 3, 2026, sending tremors across a wide swathe of North India, including the National Capital Region (NCR), Punjab, Haryana, and Jammu and Kashmir. The earthquake occurred around 9:42 PM to 9:47 PM IST and lasted for a few seconds, causing brief panic among residents who reported feeling distinct jolts and noticing swaying fans and lights.
The epicenter of the earthquake was located in Afghanistan at a depth of approximately 150-175 km. While the tremors were felt strongly enough to prompt people to rush out of their homes and office buildings in several cities, there were no immediate reports of any significant damage to property or casualties in India. Social media platforms were abuzz with users sharing their experiences and videos of shaking objects.
The earthquake's origin in the seismically active Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan is a contributing factor to its wide reach. This region is part of a larger tectonic plate collision zone between the Indian and Eurasian plates, making it highly prone to seismic activity. Delhi itself is located in Seismic Zone IV, classifying it as a high-risk area for earthquakes.
Tragically, the earthquake had a devastating impact in Afghanistan, where at least eight people were reported to have lost their lives, with one child also injured. The scale of the disaster in Afghanistan underscores the vulnerability of the region to seismic events, exacerbated by factors such as decades of conflict and limited development.
News outlets such as The Hindu, India TV News, Rediff.com, Gulf News, The Tribune, Hindustan Times, Times Now, Devdiscourse, Deccan Herald, The Sunday Guardian, The Times of India, and India Today all reported on the event, corroborating the primary details of the earthquake's magnitude, epicenter, affected areas, and the absence of major damage in India.
The event highlights the interconnectedness of seismic activity across regions and serves as a reminder of the earthquake preparedness measures necessary for areas like Delhi-NCR, which lie in a high-risk seismic zone. Authorities advised citizens to remain calm and follow safety protocols for potential aftershocks.
While the initial reports from various news agencies confirm the core facts, there were slight variations in the reported magnitude (5.8 or 5.9) and depth (150 km to 177 km) across different sources, which is common in the immediate aftermath of such events as data is refined. However, the consistency across multiple credible news outlets regarding the epicenter, affected regions in India, duration of tremors, and the lack of significant damage in India solidifies the verification of the core news.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the magnitude of the earthquake?
The earthquake had a magnitude of approximately 5.9.
Where was the epicenter of the earthquake?
The epicenter of the earthquake was located in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan.
Which parts of India experienced tremors?
Tremors were felt across several parts of North India, including Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Haryana, and Jammu and Kashmir.
Were there any casualties or significant damage reported in India?
No significant damage or casualties were reported in India. However, at least eight people lost their lives in Afghanistan.
When did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake occurred on the evening of Friday, April 3, 2026, around 9:42 PM to 9:47 PM IST.