6.0 magnitude earthquake in Afghanistan: More than 250 dead, tremors felt in India too

An earthquake of magnitude 6.0 was recorded in the southeastern region of Afghanistan at midnight on September 1 (12:47 am IST). According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the epicentre was located about 27 kilometres east-northeast of Jalalabad at a depth of 8 kilometres.

According to official figures released by the Kunar Natural Disaster Control Department, 250 people have died so far and about 500 others are injured in Norgul, Suki, Watapur, Manugi and Chapadra districts. The local administration said rescue operations are underway in remote areas and the final figures are not yet clear.

The intensity of the earthquake was so high that its tremors were felt in many parts of India, especially the Delhi-NCR region, and also in Pakistan. However, no loss of life or property has been reported in India.

The Hindukush mountainous region of Afghanistan is geologically very active. According to the Red Cross, this region is located at the confluence of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, due to which earthquakes are a common occurrence here. Last month too, earthquakes of magnitude 5.5 on August 2 and 4.2 on August 6 were recorded in Afghanistan.

According to experts, the current earthquake was more destructive because it was a superficial one. In a superficial earthquake, the vibration waves reach the surface with more force, increasing the possibility of structural damage and loss of life.

Relief and rescue operations are underway in full swing in the affected areas while the injured are being shifted to nearby medical centres.