Magnitude-6 Earthquake Rattles Hindu Kush, Felt Across Afghanistan and Pakistan

A strong earthquake struck Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region on Saturday, generating tremors that reached Pakistan. The Pakistan Meteorological Department placed the epicenter in the Hindu Kush, while the USGS recorded a magnitude of 6.1 and the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) reported magnitude 6.0 at a depth of 100 km. In Pakistan the shaking was felt in Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Swat district and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. An earlier magnitude 5.4 tremor had also been recorded in Pakistan that day.

5.9 magnitude earthquake shakes Pakistan and Afghanistan, no damage reported5.9-magnitude earthquake jolts Pakistan, Afghanistan; no casualties reportedTRT WorldThe New ArabEarthquake in Afghanistan's Hindu Kush felt in Kabul and northern PakistanThe Straits Times

Afghanistan and Pakistan lie on an active seismic belt; the 2005 magnitude 7.6 Kashmir quake killed tens of thousands, illustrating the region’s vulnerability.

5.9 magnitude earthquake shakes Pakistan and Afghanistan, no damage reportedThe New Arab5.9-magnitude earthquake jolts Pakistan, Afghanistan; no casualties reportedEarthquake in Afghanistan's Hindu Kush felt in Kabul and northern PakistanThe Straits TimesTRT World

Reported magnitudes: 5.9 (Pakistan Meteorological Department), 6.0 (EMSC), 6.1 (USGS). Depth: 100 km (EMSC). Felt in Kabul, Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Swat and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. No immediate casualties reported.

5.9 magnitude earthquake shakes Pakistan and Afghanistan, no damage reportedTRT World5.9-magnitude earthquake jolts Pakistan, Afghanistan; no casualties reportedThe New ArabThe Straits TimesKyabram Free Press

Resident Daniyal Ahmad said the shaking in Swat was “very huge” and lasted “for quite a long time,” adding that women and children were crying as people fled their homes.

Kyabram Free Press

Anwar Shahzad, spokesperson for Pakistan’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority, said preliminary assessments found no casualties or damage. The Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority confirmed there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage, but checks were ongoing. Afghan central officials have not issued a separate statement.

5.9-magnitude earthquake jolts Pakistan, Afghanistan; no casualties reported

Sources differ on the quake’s magnitude—5.9, 6.0 and 6.1 are all cited. While Pakistani agencies have provided updates, Afghan officials have not released a separate statement, leaving a communication gap.

5.9 magnitude earthquake shakes Pakistan and Afghanistan, no damage reported

The quake underscores the trans-border nature of seismic risk in the Hindu Kush-Kashmir corridor. Even moderate quakes can provoke panic and strain emergency services in densely populated areas such as Islamabad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, reminding authorities of the need for coordinated response.

5.9-magnitude earthquake jolts Pakistan, Afghanistan; no casualties reported

District administrations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remain currently on alert while both countries continue damage assessments. Ongoing monitoring by the Pakistan Meteorological Department and the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority will determine whether further alerts or aid are required.

5.9-magnitude earthquake jolts Pakistan, Afghanistan; no casualties reported

• “It was very huge here in Swat and it lasted for quite a long time,” — Daniyal Ahmad, Resident, Swat district

The Straits Times

• “People came out of their houses and women and children were seen crying in panic.” — Daniyal Ahmad, Resident, Swat district

The Straits Times

• “There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage, while authorities said checks were ongoing.” — Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority

Earthquake in Afghanistan's Hindu Kush felt in Kabul and northern Pakistan

• “Anwar Shahzad, a spokesman for the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, said that initial assessments had found no reports of casualties or damage.” — Anwar Shahzad, Spokesperson, Provincial Disaster Management Authority

The New Arab