Afghanistan Earthquake 2025
A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck northern Afghanistan, near Mazar-e-Sharif, adding to a series of recent deadly tremors in the region. The incident has reignited concerns over the country’s high seismic vulnerability and limited disaster preparedness.
What is an Earthquake?
An earthquake is the sudden shaking of the ground caused by the movement of rock blocks along a fault line.
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The point within the Earth where the rupture begins is called the hypocenter,
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and the point directly above it on the surface is the epicenter.
How Does It Occur?
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The Earth’s crust is divided into tectonic plates that are in constant motion.
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When these plates collide, slide, or move apart, stress accumulates along faults.
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Once the built-up stress exceeds the rocks’ strength, it is suddenly released as seismic energy, generating vibrations or waves that cause ground shaking.
How is It Measured?
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Instrument: A seismograph records ground motion, producing a seismogram.
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Magnitude: Indicates the total energy released, measured using the Richter or Moment Magnitude (Mw) scale.
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Intensity: Describes the perceived shaking and damage at specific locations, measured using the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale.
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Epicenter Location: Determined by the triangulation method, using differences in arrival times of P-waves (primary) and S-waves (secondary) recorded at three or more stations.
Key Characteristics of an Earthquake Sequence
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Foreshocks: Minor tremors preceding the main event, signaling stress buildup along the fault.
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Mainshock: The largest and most destructive quake in the sequence, releasing the maximum energy.
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Aftershocks: Smaller quakes that follow the main event as the crust readjusts to the new stress balance; may continue for days or months.
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Seismic Waves: Energy travels outward as P-waves (fast, compressional) and S-waves (slower, shear), shaking the ground as they pass.
Why is Afghanistan Highly Prone to Earthquakes?
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Tectonic Collision Zone:
Afghanistan lies at the convergence of the Indian, Eurasian, and Arabian plates. The continuous northward thrust of the Indian plate causes immense crustal stress and frequent seismic activity. -
Complex Fault Systems:
The country is crossed by several active faults—notably the Chaman, Hari Rud, and Badakhshan faults—that frequently slip and trigger earthquakes. -
Mountainous Terrain and Landslides:
Its steep and fragile mountain slopes amplify seismic vibrations and often result in landslides, worsening the damage. -
Vulnerable Infrastructure:
Widespread use of mud-brick and unreinforced masonry houses makes structures highly susceptible to collapse even during moderate tremors. -
Limited Monitoring and Preparedness:
Afghanistan lacks advanced seismic monitoring systems and early warning infrastructure, hampering timely alerts and effective disaster response.
Conclusion
Afghanistan’s seismic risk is a product of its geological setting, weak infrastructure, and limited institutional capacity. The recent 6.3 magnitude earthquake underscores the urgent need for improved seismic monitoring, earthquake-resistant construction, and regional cooperation in disaster management to mitigate future losses.