Afghanistan was jolted by a 4.0 magnitude earthquake on Monday, occurring at a depth of 10 km in the Hindu Kush region. This event highlights the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters, as noted by the UN, and follows a recent occurrence of a 4.2 magnitude earthquake in Pakistan.
On Monday, Afghanistan experienced an earthquake measuring 4.0 in magnitude, as reported by the National Center for Seismology (NCS). This earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers in the Hindu Kush region, making it subject to potential aftershocks. The NCS stated the details of the earthquake in a post on X, indicating the date and time of the event.
Shallow earthquakes pose a greater risk due to the energy release being closer to the Earth’s surface, leading to more intense ground shaking, which can result in extensive damage to structures and increased casualties. In a related event, Pakistan also witnessed an earthquake of magnitude 4.2 the same day.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) has highlighted Afghanistan’s vulnerability to natural disasters, which include seasonal flooding, landslides, and earthquakes. Such frequent seismic events exacerbate the challenges faced by communities that are already struggling with the effects of long-term conflict and underdevelopment, limiting their ability to cope with simultaneous crises.
Geologically, Afghanistan is situated on various fault lines between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, with the Hindu Kush Mountain range being particularly active in terms of seismic activity. The Red Cross has noted that earthquakes are a common occurrence in this region, as evidenced by the country’s historical records.
In summary, Afghanistan’s vulnerability to earthquakes and other natural disasters continues to pose significant challenges for its communities. The recent earthquake of 4.0 magnitude serves as a reminder of the geological risks faced by the nation. As Afghanistan grapples with the impacts of both natural events and socio-economic difficulties, the need for resilience and preparedness becomes increasingly urgent.
Original Source: www.mid-day.com
