Magnitude 6.2 earthquake jolts Afghanistan, tremors felt in India, Pak

A preliminary 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan on Saturday evening, according to initial seismic reports.

The quake occurred at 7.04 pm IST at a depth of 215 kilometres, with tremors felt across parts of Pakistan and northwest India. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

The earthquake's epicentre was located about 81 km from Kalafgan in northeastern Afghanistan, with tremors reported across Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan.

Owing to its significant depth, the tremors were experienced over a wide geographical area, although deep-focus earthquakes are generally less likely to cause extensive damage at the surface.

Residents in Pakistan's northern Swat district rushed out of their homes in panic after the earthquake struck, though there were no immediate reports of casualties.

"The tremors were very strong here in Swat and lasted for quite some time," resident Daniyal Ahmad told Reuters.

He said women and children were seen crying as people gathered outdoors fearing aftershocks.


Seismologists classify a 6.2-magnitude earthquake as a strong event capable of causing serious damage, though the extent of its impact depends on depth, location and local infrastructure.

Earlier on June 27, India recorded a shallow 3.2-magnitude earthquake in Himachal Pradesh's Chamba district at 11.38 am IST.

The quake originated at a depth of 5 km, with its epicentre located about 22 km north-northwest of Dharamshala in the seismically active Himalayan belt.

The event was classified as low intensity, with no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

Pakistan was jolted by four earthquakes in the past 24 hours, including the strongest tremor of magnitude 5.5, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).

The latest and most powerful earthquake struck at 8.36 am local time on Saturday. The quake measured 5.5 in magnitude, occurred at a depth of 40 kilometres, and had its epicentre at coordinates 30.271°N, 69.733°E in Pakistan’s Balochistan region.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. The EMSC has reviewed and confirmed all four earthquakes.

-India Today