An earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale shook Afghanistan late on September 5 at 10:55 pm (IST). The tremor was recorded by the National Centre for Seismology at coordinates 34.45°N latitude and 70.41°E longitude, at a depth of 10 km. The centre confirmed the details in a post on X.

 

This incident came only a day after a stronger earthquake of 6.2 magnitude struck southeastern Afghanistan on September 4. That quake, also at a shallow depth of 10 km, was located near 34.57°N latitude and 70.75°E longitude. It was part of a series of recent tremors that have severely affected eastern Afghanistan. Just a few days earlier, a sequence of quakes in the region caused massive destruction, leaving more than 2,200 people dead, over 3,600 injured, and thousands without homes as relief operations continue.

 

According to Naqibullah Rahimi, spokesperson for the health department in Nangarhar province, the epicentre of the latest tremor was in Shiwa district near the Pakistan border. Initial reports suggested that houses in the Barkashkot area were damaged, Reuters reported.

 

Residents in affected provinces described the devastation. Aalem Jan, a local from Kunar, one of the hardest-hit provinces, said his family lost everything. “The only thing left with us are the clothes we are wearing,” he told reporters.

 

Earlier this year, Afghanistan had already faced destructive quakes. On August 31, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, followed by another measuring 5.5 just two days later. These tremors triggered landslides, cut off remote areas, and destroyed more than 6,700 homes. Rescue efforts were hampered, and authorities warned that the number of deaths could still rise as many people remain buried under the debris.

 

The United Nations has cautioned that the humanitarian needs in Afghanistan are expanding rapidly. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies noted that nearly 84,000 people have been affected, with thousands displaced from their homes. The UN World Food Programme stated it has resources to support survivors for only a limited period, highlighting the urgent need for international aid.