A 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border on Saturday, April 19, 2025. The National Center for Seismology (NCS) confirmed the quake occurred at 12:17 p.m. IST. The epicentre was near the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border. The depth was 130 kilometres.
Widespread Tremors in India and Pakistan
People in several regions felt strong tremors. In India, Jammu, Srinagar, Punjab, and Delhi-NCR reported noticeable shaking. Tremors were also felt in parts of Pakistan. Cities including Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, and Swat experienced the quake. Reports also came from Mardan, Abbottabad, Haripur, and Gilgit.
In Punjab, cities like Lahore, Sahiwal, and Okara felt the jolt. Toba Tek Singh and Pindi Bhattian were also affected. Luckily, no immediate reports of damage or casualties have come in. Authorities are monitoring the situation.
Official Confirmation and Seismic Details
The NCS posted the details on social media. “EQ of M: 5.8, On: 19/04/2025 12:17:53 IST, Lat: 36.10 N, Long: 71.20 E, Depth: 130 Km, Location: Afghanistan,” the post read. The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) and Pakistan’s National Seismic Monitoring Centre confirmed similar data.
Interestingly, Pakistan reported the quake’s time as 11:47 a.m. local time. The depth was earlier estimated at 94 kilometres. Different agencies revised their data slightly, which is common during seismic events.
Second Quake in One Week
This earthquake is the second in the region within a week. A 5.5 magnitude quake shook parts of Pakistan earlier. That tremor also affected Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab provinces. Earthquake frequency is rising in the region.
Afghanistan’s Seismic Vulnerability
Afghanistan is prone to natural disasters. The United Nations notes the country faces frequent earthquakes, floods, and landslides. These disasters hit already vulnerable communities.
Decades of conflict have weakened infrastructure. Many areas have little capacity to recover from repeated shocks. Earthquakes only add to the crisis.
Geological Causes and Fault Lines
Afghanistan sits on a major tectonic collision zone. The Indian plate and Eurasian plate collide in this region. Fault lines run through areas like Herat and the Hindu Kush Mountains.
These geological features cause frequent seismic activity. The Red Cross confirms that Afghanistan sees strong earthquakes every year. Experts consider this region one of the most active in Asia.
Looking Ahead
Authorities are keeping a close watch. While no injuries or damage have been reported yet, the risk remains. Seismologists are reviewing aftershock potential.
People in affected areas should stay alert. Emergency services are on standby. Updates will follow if conditions change.
Conclusion
Natural disasters remind us of nature’s power. The earthquake on April 19, 2025, shows the ongoing risk in seismically active zones. Preparedness and awareness are essential. For the latest updates on government announcements, and breaking news, News Trendzs remains the world news site for reliable and up-to-date information.
