4.1-magnitude earthquake jolts Afghanistan, situation normal

An earthquake measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale struck Afghanistan early Friday, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). The tremor occurred shortly after midnight and was recorded at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres, a factor that can intensify ground shaking and raise the likelihood of aftershocks.

In a post on X, the NCS said the earthquake was recorded at 12:14 am IST on December 19, 2025, with its epicentre located at latitude 36.76°N and longitude 72.08°E. Shallow earthquakes are generally considered more hazardous as seismic waves reach the surface with greater force, increasing the risk of damage.

Earlier this week, on December 15, another earthquake of magnitude 4.0 struck the region at a depth of 22 kilometres. That tremor was recorded near latitude 36.71°N and longitude 71.58°E, also within Afghan territory.

Seismically Active Region

Afghanistan frequently experiences earthquakes, particularly in the Hindu Kush region, which lies along an active seismic belt, according to the Red Cross. The country sits near the collision zone of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, while major fault lines run through several regions, including Herat.

The latest tremors follow a powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake that struck northern Afghanistan on November 4, killing at least 27 people and injuring hundreds. That quake also caused significant structural damage, including to a historic mosque.

Ongoing Vulnerability

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has warned that Afghanistan remains highly vulnerable to natural disasters such as earthquakes, landslides and floods. Repeated seismic activity further strains communities already weakened by years of conflict, limited infrastructure and scarce resources, reducing their capacity to cope with successive shocks.