4.2-magnitude earthquake strikes Afghanistan

Kabul

A 4.2 magnitude earthquake jolted Afghanistan early Thursday, as reported by the National Center for Seismology (NCS). The earthquake occurred at a depth of 180 km, with coordinates at latitude 36.65 N and longitude 71.33 E. The event took place at 00:02 IST on January 16.

This tremor follows a 4.0 magnitude aftershock that struck the country on Wednesday, January 15, at a depth of 180 km. Earlier, on January 14, a 4.1 magnitude earthquake had hit neighboring Tajikistan, which also triggered concerns about potential aftershocks in the region.

Afghanistan is located on multiple fault lines between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it prone to frequent seismic activity. The Hindu Kush Mountain range, a geologically active region, often experiences earthquakes, particularly affecting rural areas. These remote communities are highly vulnerable due to the construction of homes with weaker materials like mudbrick, which amplify the impact of such disasters.

Rapid emergency response is a challenge in these isolated regions, where damaged roads and transport links hinder access to humanitarian aid. This has posed significant difficulties in delivering immediate assistance to affected villages. The country's vulnerability to earthquakes and the hardships of recovery are compounded by these logistical challenges.