NEWS – On August 31, 2025, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake hit northeast Afghanistan (Nangarhar province). More than 800 people died and over 2,000 were injured. The quake was shallow (just 8 km deep), making it especially destructive.

HIGHLIGHTS

What is an Earthquake?

• An earthquake is the sudden shaking of the ground.
• It happens when two blocks of the Earth slip past each other, releasing energy as seismic waves.

Why Do They Happen?

• The Earth’s crust is broken into tectonic plates (like puzzle pieces).
• These plates move slowly but their edges can get stuck.
• When they suddenly unstick, energy is released → earthquake.

Important Terms

• Hypocenter: The point inside the Earth where the quake starts.
• Epicenter: The point directly above it on the surface.
• Shallow quakes (0–70 km deep): More dangerous as energy reaches the surface quickly.
• P-waves & S-waves: Two main types of seismic waves that cause the shaking.

Why Afghanistan is at Risk

• Afghanistan lies where the Indian Plate collides with the Eurasian Plate.
• This boundary has many fault lines (cracks in the crust).
• History:
  • 2023 – Herat province quakes killed ~1,300 people.
  • 2022 – A 5.9 quake killed ~1,300 in the southeast.

India’s Vulnerability

• India is the 7th most earthquake-prone country.
• About 59% of land is at risk of moderate to severe earthquakes (NDMA).
• The Himalayan zone is especially active because of the collision of Indian and Eurasian plates.