With multiple quakes shaking Afghanistan in recent weeks, the country’s vulnerability to seismic activity remains a pressing concern.
Kabul [Afghanistan], March 2 – Afghanistan was jolted by a magnitude 4.2 earthquake on Sunday, the National Center for Seismology (NCS) reported. The tremor, recorded at a depth of 140 km, is the latest in a series of earthquakes that have struck the region over the past two weeks.
Confirming the details on X (formerly Twitter), NCS posted:
“EQ of M: 4.2, On: 02/03/2025 14:31:15 IST, Lat: 36.44 N, Long: 69.95 E, Depth: 140 Km, Location: Afghanistan.”
A Seismically Active Region
The latest quake follows a pattern of frequent seismic activity in Afghanistan, with multiple tremors recorded throughout February:
- February 23: A magnitude 4.6 earthquake struck at a depth of 120 km.
- February 22: Another 4.2 magnitude quake hit at a depth of 150 km.
- February 18: Two earthquakes—4.6 magnitude at 10 km depth and 4.3 magnitude at 180 km depth—were recorded
The Danger of Shallow vs. Deep Earthquakes
While deep earthquakes (over 100 km) tend to lose energy before reaching the surface, shallow quakes (less than 70 km) pose a greater risk. Their intense ground shaking increases the likelihood of structural damage and casualties, particularly in a country where infrastructure is already vulnerable.
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), Afghanistan remains highly susceptible to natural disasters such as earthquakes, landslides, and seasonal flooding. Decades of conflict and underdevelopment have left communities struggling to withstand recurring shocks.
Why Afghanistan Faces Frequent Earthquakes
Sitting at the collision zone of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, Afghanistan experiences frequent seismic activity. The Hindu Kush mountain range, a highly active geological zone, generates multiple earthquakes each year. The Herat region also lies directly on a major fault line, making it particularly vulnerable.
The International Red Cross has repeatedly highlighted Afghanistan’s earthquake risks, stressing the need for disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure to mitigate the impact of future tremors.
As seismic activity continues to rattle the region, experts urge heightened monitoring, preparedness, and relief measures to protect Afghanistan’s already fragile communities.