Earthquake of 5.6 Magnitude Strikes Afghanistan, Tremors Felt Across Delhi-NCR and Northern India
New Delhi/Kabul, April 16, 2025 — An earthquake measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale jolted the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan early Wednesday morning, with tremors reported as far as Delhi-NCR and several northern Indian states. The quake, which struck around 4:44 AM IST, did not result in any immediate loss of life or property, according to preliminary reports.
The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) confirmed that the epicenter was located approximately 164 kilometers east of Baghlan city, with a depth of 121 kilometers below the surface. The National Center for Seismology (NCS) in India corroborated the data and issued alerts across northern India.
Tremors Felt Across India
Although the epicenter was in Afghanistan, the earthquake’s depth and magnitude led to tremors being felt in multiple Indian states, including:
Delhi-NCR
Uttar Pradesh
Haryana
Punjab
Rajasthan
Jammu and Kashmir
Residents in high-rise buildings in Delhi and Gurugram reported feeling mild to moderate shaking, with many stepping out of their homes and buildings in the early hours of the morning. No panic or damage was reported.
Why Are Tremors Felt in India from Afghan Earthquakes?
According to seismologists, the Hindu Kush region is one of the most seismically active zones in the world. Located near the junction of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, this area frequently experiences moderate to strong earthquakes.
Delhi and northern India lie close to the Himalayan Seismic Belt, making them particularly sensitive to distant quakes. The deep-focus nature of this quake—at 121 km—meant its impact was felt over a wide geographical area, although the intensity on the surface was not damaging.
What Should You Do During an Earthquake?
In the aftermath of the tremors, experts urged residents to remain vigilant and follow standard earthquake safety protocols:
Move to open spaces away from buildings, poles, or trees.
Stay away from heavy objects or hanging items indoors.
Do not use elevators during the quake.
Drop, Cover, and Hold On—take shelter under a sturdy table and protect your head.
Authorities also advised checking for any structural damage to homes or buildings, especially in older constructions, and keeping emergency kits handy.
Recent Seismic Activity in the Region
This is not the first time that seismic activity in Afghanistan has been felt in India:
In March 2023, a 6.6 magnitude quake from the same region shook Delhi-NCR and other cities.
In January 2024, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake resulted in light tremors in parts of north India.
Such recurring seismic activity highlights the vulnerability of the region, especially cities like Delhi, which fall in Seismic Zone IV, denoting a moderate to high risk of earthquakes.
No Casualties or Damage Reported
Fortunately, there have been no confirmed reports of casualties or structural damage in either Afghanistan or India. However, monitoring agencies in both countries continue to assess the situation and remain on alert for any aftershocks or secondary seismic events.
Emergency services in Delhi, Gurugram, and other cities have been put on standby as a precautionary measure.
Expert Take: Importance of Preparedness
Speaking to the media, disaster management experts emphasized the importance of earthquake resilience and urban preparedness, particularly in seismic zones.
“Events like today’s quake are reminders that cities like Delhi must continuously invest in earthquake-proof infrastructure, early warning systems, and community awareness,” said Dr. R.K. Sinha, a leading seismologist.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has also reiterated the need for regular mock drills, building code compliance, and public education.
A Wake-Up Call Without Damage
While the 5.6 magnitude earthquake caused no immediate harm, it served as a critical reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic events. With urban populations growing and infrastructure aging, the risk of disaster increases, even from distant epicenters.
Authorities have urged the public not to panic but to remain aware and proactive. As aftershocks are possible, residents are advised to stay updated through official channels and take standard precautions.
