Earthquake Strikes South Asia: Delhi, Pakistan, and Afghanistan Feel the Tremors

Earthquake Strikes South Asia: Delhi, Pakistan, and Afghanistan Feel the Tremors

September 1, 2025 — A powerful earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale shook large parts of South Asia late Sunday night, sending tremors across Delhi-NCR, eastern Afghanistan, and northern Pakistan. The quake, which originated near Jalalabad, Afghanistan, occurred at 11:47 PM local time, at a shallow depth of 8 km, amplifying its intensity across the region.

 Afghanistan: Tragedy Near the Epicenter

• Epicenter: 27 km east-northeast of Jalalabad, Nangarhar province
• Casualties: At least 20 dead, including two children; over 115 injured
• Damage: Roof collapses, destroyed homes, and overwhelmed hospitals in Nangarhar and Kunar provinces
• Aftershocks: Multiple tremors followed, ranging from 4.3 to 5.0 magnitude

Afghanistan, already reeling from recent floods, faced further devastation. Emergency response teams rushed to aid victims, but the region’s mountainous terrain and limited infrastructure posed significant challenges.

 

READ ALSO  Rising Anti-American Sentiment in India Boycott Call

Pakistan: Widespread Panic, Minimal Damage

• Affected Cities: Islamabad, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Abbottabad, and Mansehra
• Local Magnitude: 5.4 in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
• Response: Residents evacuated buildings; no major injuries or structural damage reported

The Pakistan Meteorological Department confirmed the tremors were felt across northern districts, prompting alerts from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, though no casualties were reported.

India: Delhi-NCR Shaken Awake

• Tremors Felt: Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and surrounding areas
• Public Reaction: Residents rushed outdoors; social media flooded with videos and updates
• Government Action: Calls for seismic audits of buildings and improved disaster preparedness

Delhi’s vulnerability stems from its proximity to active fault lines, including the Delhi–Haridwar Ridge, making even distant quakes a potential threat.

Regional Preparedness: A Wake-Up Call

This event underscores the urgent need for:

• Earthquake-resistant infrastructure
• Public awareness campaigns
• Cross-border disaster coordination

South Asia’s tectonic volatility demands proactive measures—not just reactive ones.