6.2-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Hindu Kush as Tremors Reach Delhi, Kabul, and Beyond

A powerful 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck the Hindu Kush region of northeastern Afghanistan on Saturday evening, triggering widespread tremors across multiple countries including Pakistan, India, China, and Tajikistan. The quake, which occurred at 7:04 pm IST, was particularly intense in Kabul and New Delhi, where residents reported significant shaking and panic.

According to data from the United States Geological Survey and India’s National Center for Seismology, the earthquake originated at a depth of approximately 191 to 215 kilometers, making it one of the deeper seismic events recorded in the region. Despite the intensity and the widespread panic caused by the vibrations, there were no immediate reports of casualties or major structural damage.

In Pakistan’s Swat district, eyewitnesses described people running out of their homes in fear as the ground shook violently. Social media users in Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Lahore also shared videos and posts confirming the tremors. While the USGS initially reported the magnitude as 6.1, India’s National Center for Seismology confirmed it as 6.2 on the Richter scale.

Historical context adds weight to the event: a similar 6.3-magnitude quake hit the Hindu Kush in December 2015, killing one person and injuring over 100 in Pakistan and Afghanistan. However, the current 2026 event appears to have caused minimal physical impact, likely due to its deep focal point and the region’s preparedness.

As authorities continue to monitor the situation, the lack of casualties is a relief for residents across the affected regions. The event underscores the persistent seismic activity in the Hindu Kush and the need for continued vigilance in earthquake-prone zones.