According to Afghan news outlet Tolo News, the tremor was felt in the capital, Kabul, Nangarhar province and several surrounding areas. The earthquake caused concern among residents, although no deaths, injuries or damage to property were reported immediately after the incident.
The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) recorded the earthquake at a magnitude of 5.2. However, the initial reports did not provide further details about the epicentre or the depth at which the earthquake originated.
In Pakistan, tremors were also reported in several locations across the north-western province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the northern territory of Gilgit-Baltistan, according to Pakistani news outlet Geo News. As in Afghanistan, no immediate casualties or damage were reported in the affected areas.
Both countries are situated in a seismically active part of Asia, where the movement and interaction of tectonic plates frequently trigger earthquakes. Afghanistan lies near the boundary between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, while northern and western Pakistan are also exposed to significant seismic activity.
The impact of an earthquake depends on several factors, including its magnitude, depth, distance from populated areas, local ground conditions and the strength of buildings. A moderate tremor may be felt across a wide area without causing serious damage, but vulnerable structures can still be at risk, particularly in regions with mountainous terrain and limited access to emergency services.
The absence of immediate reports of casualties or structural damage is encouraging, although initial assessments do not always capture the full extent of an earthquake’s impact. Damage in remote communities may take time to identify, especially where access and communication are difficult.
Residents in earthquake-prone areas are generally advised to follow official safety guidance during and after tremors. If shaking occurs, people should take cover under sturdy furniture, protect their heads and necks, and stay away from windows. Once the shaking stops, they should avoid visibly damaged buildings and remain alert to possible aftershocks.
The initial reports did not confirm whether any aftershocks had occurred or provide additional information about the earthquake’s precise location. Further assessments would be needed to establish whether the tremor had caused any damage beyond the areas covered by the first reports.
