A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck Afghanistan on Friday evening, shaking several regions across the Afghanistan–Tajikistan border and sending tremors as far as Jammu and Kashmir in northern India.
According to initial reports from the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the quake occurred at a depth of around 10 kilometers at approximately 5:45 p.m. local time.
No Immediate Reports of Damage
So far, there have been no reports of casualties or major property damage, though residents in multiple provinces said they rushed outdoors in fear as buildings swayed briefly.
The tremor comes just weeks after a devastating earthquake struck western Afghanistan, killing thousands and leaving widespread destruction. For many, Friday’s quake rekindled painful memories of that tragedy.
The region sits along one of Asia’s most seismically active fault zones, where earthquakes occur frequently due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. Experts continue to warn that shallow quakes, even of moderate magnitude, can cause significant damage in areas with older or poorly built structures.
Authorities in Afghanistan and neighboring India have urged residents to remain cautious and follow safety protocols in case of aftershocks.
