5.8 Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Afghanistan, Tremors Felt in J&K, Delhi-NCR

 

## 5.8 Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Afghanistan, Tremors Felt in J&K, Delhi-NCR

**Kabul, Afghanistan/New Delhi, India – April 19, 2025** – An earthquake of magnitude 5.8 struck Afghanistan on Saturday afternoon, sending tremors across parts of North India, including Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR).

According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake occurred at 12:17 PM Indian Standard Time (IST). The epicenter was located in Afghanistan, at a latitude of 36.10°N and longitude of 71.20°E, with a depth of 130 kilometers. The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) further specified that the earthquake struck near the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border region.

While the epicenter was in Afghanistan, the impact was felt several hundred kilometers away. Residents in various parts of J&K and Delhi-NCR reported experiencing mild to moderate shaking, leading to panic in some areas. A local resident in Srinagar told news agency ANI, "I felt the tremor. I was in the office when my chair shook." Videos from Kashmir showed people rushing out of buildings as the ground trembled.

Initial reports indicate that there have been no immediate casualties or significant damage in Afghanistan or the regions of India where the tremors were felt. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation for any potential aftershocks or delayed reports of damage.

This earthquake comes shortly after a magnitude 2.9 tremor was recorded in Assam's Nagaon earlier in the day. In February, Delhi experienced a magnitude 4.0 earthquake, highlighting the region's susceptibility to seismic activity.

**Seismic Vulnerability of Delhi-NCR**

Delhi-NCR falls under seismic zone 4, which is categorized as a high-risk zone for earthquakes. The region's vulnerability is compounded by factors such as its proximity to the Himalayas, a seismically active zone resulting from the collision of tectonic plates. Additionally, a significant portion of the buildings in Delhi are old and do not comply with earthquake-resistant building codes, further increasing the risk of damage in the event of a stronger earthquake. Fault lines such as the Mathura Fault and the Sohna Fault also run near the region.

Experts emphasize that while earthquakes cannot be predicted, it is crucial for cities in seismically active zones like Delhi to focus on preparedness and structural resilience to minimize potential damage and casualties from future tremors. This includes enforcing stricter building codes and raising public awareness about earthquake safety measures.