Fourth Quake in 24 Hours Shakes Afghanistan with 5.4-Magnitude Tremor

A 5.4-magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Afghanistan on Friday, marking the fourth seismic event to jolt the nation within a 24-hour period, according to the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ). The tremor, occurring at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6.21 miles), hit a region already reeling from recent seismic activity.

The quake follows a series of tremors that began late Thursday, as reported by the National Center for Seismology (NCS). On Thursday night, two earthquakes measuring 5.8 and 4.1 on the Richter scale struck the same area, with depths of 160 kilometers and 50 kilometers, respectively. Earlier that day, a 4.9-magnitude quake was recorded at a depth of 120 kilometers, the NCS noted in a post on X.

Afghanistan’s location on multiple fault lines in the Hindu Kush region makes it prone to frequent earthquakes, which often exacerbate the challenges faced by communities grappling with ongoing conflict and limited resources. The GFZ reported the latest tremor’s epicenter in southeastern Afghanistan, a region that has experienced significant seismic activity in recent weeks.

No immediate reports of casualties or damage from Friday’s quake have been confirmed, but authorities are monitoring the situation closely. The NCS and other agencies continue to provide updates as rescue and relief efforts persist in the affected areas. The series of quakes has heightened concerns about the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters, with humanitarian agencies on high alert.

For the latest developments, follow updates from the National Center for Seismology and other trusted sources.