3.7-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Afghanistan, Fourth This Month

Kabul, Afghanistan: In the early hours of Friday, a mild earthquake of magnitude 3.7 struck Afghanistan, the National Center for Seismology (NCS) confirmed. The earthquake in Afghanistan occurred at 06:09 AM IST at a depth of 80 kilometres, with coordinates 36.38°N and 71.14°E. Though minor, the earthquake in Afghanistan adds to a growing list of tremors that have rattled the region in recent weeks.

According to NCS, the Afghanistan earthquake struck deep beneath the surface, reducing the likelihood of major damage or casualties. “EQ of M: 3.7, On: 24/10/2025 06:09:41 IST, Depth: 80 Km, Location: Afghanistan,” the NCS posted on X, confirming the details of the event.

This is the latest in a series of recent earthquakes in Afghanistan. Earlier this week, on Tuesday, a 4.3-magnitude earthquake was recorded in the same region. Just days before that, on October 17, a 5.5-magnitude earthquake shook northern Afghanistan, marking the fourth tremor in less than a month and the second in under 12 hours, according to data from the US Geological Survey (USGS). That quake struck 47 km north-northwest of Khandud at a depth of 43 km.

Experts have noted that while deeper quakes like Friday’s Afghanistan earthquake are less likely to cause surface damage, shallow earthquakes can be far more destructive. The reason lies in how seismic waves travel—shallow quakes have a shorter path to the surface, causing stronger ground shaking, which can lead to severe damage and casualties.

Afghanistan lies in a highly active seismic zone, part of the collision zone between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This region, encompassing Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northern India, frequently experiences moderate to strong earthquakes, often felt across borders. The constant pressure between these massive plates makes earthquakes in Afghanistan a persistent natural threat to communities and infrastructure.

Beyond the geological risks, the frequent earthquakes in Afghanistan come at a time when the country is already grappling with humanitarian challenges. The repeated tremors highlight the vulnerability of local populations living in poorly constructed buildings and remote areas with limited emergency response access.

Amid these challenges, India has reaffirmed its commitment to peace and humanitarian support in Afghanistan. Speaking at the UN Security Council briefing on Afghanistan on September 18, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, reiterated India’s dedication to promoting stability and capacity-building efforts in the quake-prone nation. “India’s immediate priorities in Afghanistan include provision of humanitarian assistance and implementation of capacity-building initiatives for the Afghan people,” he said, expressing solidarity through the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

As earthquakes in Afghanistan continue to strike with varying magnitudes, experts emphasize the urgent need for disaster preparedness, resilient infrastructure, and cross-border cooperation. Given the region’s seismic volatility, such initiatives could play a critical role in minimizing the impact of future tremors and protecting vulnerable communities.

While Friday’s 3.7-magnitude earthquake caused no immediate reports of damage, it serves as another reminder of the fragile geography and resilience of Afghanistan’s people, who continue to endure both natural and humanitarian challenges with strength and determination.