5.8 magnitude quake hits Afghanistan and Pakistan, killing 8 in Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan — A seismic event measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale shook parts of northern and eastern Afghanistan as well as western Pakistan late Friday, resulting in the loss of at least eight lives in Afghanistan, as confirmed by authorities.

The affected region is known for its high seismic activity, with earthquakes causing numerous fatalities in recent years. The epicenter of Friday’s earthquake was identified in the Hindu Kush mountain range, approximately 150 kilometers (90 miles) east of Kunduz, Afghanistan, according to reports from the Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Center and the U.S. Geological Survey.

Hafizullah Basharat, a spokesperson for the Kabul governor, disclosed that eight individuals lost their lives and a child sustained injuries due to a collapsed house on the outskirts of the capital. All the victims belonged to the same family.

Kabul, located approximately 290 kilometers (180 miles) southwest of the epicenter, did not report any immediate damages or injuries. The remote nature of the area often results in delays before local authorities can provide updates to Kabul.

The earthquake, with a depth of over 180 kilometers, affected a wide area spanning across Afghanistan and Pakistan. In Pakistan, tremors were felt in various cities and towns including Islamabad, Peshawar, Chitral, Swat, and Shangla, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department. No reports of damage or injuries were received from Pakistan.

Sharafat Zaman, a spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Health Ministry, announced that Kabul and provincial health authorities have been placed on high alert.

Notable seismic events in Afghanistan in recent years include a devastating 6.0 earthquake in eastern Afghanistan last August, which resulted in over 2,200 casualties. Additionally, a 6.3 earthquake in Samangan province in November claimed the lives of at least 27 individuals and injured over 950, causing significant damage to historical sites.

Afghanistan’s vulnerability to natural disasters is exacerbated by its impoverished conditions, particularly in remote areas where many homes are constructed from inadequate materials such as mud bricks and wood.