Afghanistan earthquake shakes North India; 8 dead in Kabul
An earthquake of magnitude 5.8 to 5.9 struck Afghanistan on Friday night, with tremors felt across parts of North India, including Delhi. The earthquake, which originated in the Hindu Kush region at a considerable depth, resulted in at least eight fatalities in Kabul due to a house collapse. No casualties or significant damage were reported in India.
Key Highlights
- Magnitude 5.8-5.9 earthquake jolted Afghanistan on Friday night.
- Tremors were felt across North India, including Delhi.
- At least eight people died in Kabul from a house collapse.
- The earthquake's epicenter was in the Hindu Kush region.
- No casualties or damage reported in India.
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.8 to 5.9 rattled parts of northern and eastern Afghanistan and western Pakistan late Friday, April 3, 2026. The earthquake's epicentre was located in the Hindu Kush mountain range, approximately 150 kilometers (90-93 miles) east of the Afghan city of Kunduz. The quake struck at a significant depth, with estimates ranging from 150 km to over 180 km (approximately 90 to 115 miles). This considerable depth allowed seismic waves to travel farther, resulting in tremors being felt across vast areas of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northern India.
In Afghanistan, the earthquake tragically claimed the lives of at least eight people, all members of the same family, when a house collapsed in the Gosfand Dara area on the outskirts of Kabul province. A child was reported to be the sole survivor of this incident, sustaining injuries.
Across North India, including Delhi-NCR, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Haryana, residents experienced noticeable tremors. Many described feeling brief but distinct shaking, with some reporting that ceiling fans, lights, and furniture swayed. The tremors triggered brief moments of panic, leading some individuals to step out of their homes and offices as a precautionary measure. Despite the widespread tremors, there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties in India.
Afghanistan is highly prone to seismic activity due to its location near the junction of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates, particularly in the Hindu Kush mountain range. The country has a history of devastating earthquakes, with several significant events in recent years causing widespread destruction and loss of life. These past events have often involved shallow earthquakes that, combined with the prevalent construction of mud-brick and timber homes in vulnerable regions, have led to high fatality rates. The current earthquake's deeper focus, while causing tremors over a wider area, resulted in fewer reported fatalities compared to some of the shallower, more destructive quakes in the past.
Authorities in Afghanistan were put on alert, and while information from remote areas close to the epicenter could be delayed, the immediate reports indicated localized but tragic consequences. The earthquake's occurrence highlights the ongoing seismic risks in the region and the continued impact of these natural disasters on both Afghanistan and neighboring countries.
The earthquake was officially published on April 3, 2026, as reported by multiple news outlets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the magnitude of the earthquake that struck Afghanistan?
The earthquake that struck Afghanistan on Friday night had a magnitude of 5.8 to 5.9.
Where was the epicenter of the earthquake?
The epicenter of the earthquake was located in the Hindu Kush mountain range in Afghanistan.
Were there any casualties reported in India?
No, there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage in India, although tremors were felt in several parts of North India.
Why were the tremors felt so far away in India?
The earthquake occurred at a significant depth (around 150-180 km), which allowed its seismic waves to travel over longer distances, resulting in tremors being felt in North India.
What caused the fatalities in Afghanistan?
The fatalities in Afghanistan were primarily caused by a house collapse in Kabul province following the earthquake.