Afghanistan Experiences 3.7-Magnitude Earthquake, Fourth of the Month

Kabul, Afghanistan: Early Friday, a 3.7 magnitude earthquake was registered, as confirmed by the National Center for Seismology (NCS). Occurring at 06:09 AM IST at a depth of 80 kilometers, with coordinates of 36.38°N and 71.14°E, this mild tremor adds to a series of recent seismic events in the region.

The NCS indicated that this earthquake struck at considerable depth, diminishing the chances of significant damage or injury. “EQ of M: 3.7, On: 24/10/2025 06:09:41 IST, Depth: 80 Km, Location: Afghanistan,” the NCS posted on X, providing the details of this latest event.

This marks yet another occurrence in a sequence of earthquakes that have recently affected Afghanistan. Earlier in the week on Tuesday, a 4.3-magnitude earthquake was noted in the same area, following a 5.5-magnitude quake on October 17 that impacted northern Afghanistan, making this the fourth seismic event in less than a month according to US Geological Survey (USGS) data. That tremor struck 47 km north-northwest of Khandud at a depth of 43 km.

Experts indicate that while deeper earthquakes like this one tend to cause less surface damage, shallow earthquakes can have a much larger impact. This is attributed to how seismic waves propagate; shallower quakes provide a quicker route to the surface, resulting in more intense ground shaking and potential devastation.

Afghanistan lies within an active seismic zone, situated at the intersection of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. The area, which includes Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northern India, frequently experiences moderate to severe earthquakes, often felt across borders. The ongoing pressure from these enormous tectonic plates makes seismic events a continuing natural hazard for vulnerable communities and infrastructure.

The surge in seismic activity occurs as Afghanistan contends with significant humanitarian issues. These repeated earthquakes further underscore the fragility of local populations who reside in inadequately constructed buildings and remote areas with limited access to emergency services.

In light of these difficulties, India has reiterated its commitment to providing humanitarian assistance and fostering peace in Afghanistan. During a UN Security Council briefing on September 18, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, emphasized India’s focus on stability and development within the earthquake-prone nation. “Immediate priorities for Afghanistan include delivering humanitarian aid and bolstering capacity-building efforts for the Afghan people,” he stated, expressing support through the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

As the region continues to experience earthquakes of varying intensities, experts stress the urgent necessity for disaster readiness, robust infrastructure, and cross-border collaboration. Such efforts could substantially mitigate the effects of future seismic events and shield at-risk communities.

Even though Friday's 3.7-magnitude earthquake did not result in any immediate reports of damage, it acts as a stark reminder of Afghanistan's delicate geography and the resilience of its citizens, who face both natural disasters and humanitarian predicaments with unwavering strength.