Afghanistan experienced a seismic event on Friday, with a magnitude 4.1 earthquake registering across the nation. The tremor originated at a considerable depth of 178 kilometers, according to reports from the National Center for Seismology (NCS). This seismic activity adds to a concerning pattern of tremors felt in the region.
Earlier the same day, Afghanistan was also shaken by a magnitude 4.3 earthquake, which occurred at a depth of 170 kilometers. These repeated seismic occurrences highlight the geological volatility of the area. The NCS provided specific coordinates for the earlier event, noting its latitude at 36.40 N and longitude at 70.52 E.
The recent seismic activity follows a devastating earthquake on November 4th, which struck northern Afghanistan. That powerful 6.3-magnitude quake resulted in significant loss of life, with at least 27 fatalities reported and over 956 individuals injured. The tremor caused widespread damage, including to historic structures.
Afghanistan’s location along major tectonic plate boundaries, particularly the collision zone between the Indian and Eurasian plates, makes it highly susceptible to seismic events. The Hindu Kush mountain range, a geologically active zone, frequently experiences earthquakes. This ongoing seismic vulnerability exacerbates the challenges faced by communities already dealing with the aftermath of conflict and underdevelopment.