Magnitude 6.1 earthquake shakes northeastern Afghanistan, felt in Pakistan and India

A magnitude 6.1 earthquake jolted the northeastern province of Badakhshan in Afghanistan on Saturday, with its tremors reaching neighboring Pakistan and India, including their respective capitals. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the seismic event occurred around 6:05 p.m. local time (13:35 GMT), originating at a depth of 199 kilometers. The epicenter was pinpointed in the Jurm district, an area situated within the seismically active Hindu Kush mountain range.

Local authorities in Afghanistan have stated that initial reports indicate no casualties or material damage in the vicinity of the quake. Mohammad Akbar Akbari, the director of disaster management for Badakhshan province, confirmed the earthquake's strength and its wide reach. He noted that while the tremors were felt across several provinces, nearby areas had not yet reported any significant impact.

The seismic activity caused concern among residents throughout northeastern Afghanistan, including the capital, Kabul. The Taliban authorities have indicated that preliminary evaluations do not suggest any substantial consequences from the earthquake. The tremor was also felt in parts of Pakistan, including Islamabad, and in northern India, though authorities in both countries have not reported any damage to date.

Badakhshan province is recognized as one of Afghanistan's most seismically active regions, lying along the Hindu Kush mountain range. Its location makes it a frequent epicenter for earthquakes, and this latest event underscores the region's ongoing vulnerability to seismic activity.

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The earthquake was relatively strong and was felt in Badakhshan province as well as several other provinces. According to the reports we have received so far, there have been no casualties or material damage in the nearby areas of Badakhshan.