A 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan late Sunday night, resulting in at least 20 fatalities and over 100 injuries. The earthquake, which occurred at 11:47 PM local time, had its epicenter near the Pakistan border, approximately 42 kilometers east-northeast of Jalalabad and 36 kilometers north of Basawul. The tremors were felt strongly in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and even as far as India.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake's depth was approximately 10 kilometers, which is considered shallow and capable of producing stronger surface shaking. The National Center for Seismology (NCS) in India pinpointed the epicenter at latitude 34.50degN and longitude 70.81degE, with a depth of 160 km.

In Nangarhar province alone, at least nine people were reported dead and 25 injured, according to Ajmal Darwaish, a spokesman for the regional health department. Initial reports indicate that the earthquake caused strong ground shaking, and authorities are still assessing the situation for potential delayed reports of impact, especially given the time of night and remote terrain.

The region experienced multiple aftershocks following the initial quake, with magnitudes ranging from 4.3 to 5.0. These aftershocks, occurring at varying depths between 40 km and 140 km, intensified fear among residents. Specifically, a 4.7 magnitude earthquake occurred approximately 20 minutes after the initial jolt, followed by a 4.3 magnitude and a 5.0 magnitude tremor.

Afghanistan is situated on a major tectonic boundary, making it highly prone to earthquakes. The Hindu Kush mountain range, which runs through the country, is one of the most seismically active regions globally. This recent earthquake brought back memories of a similar magnitude 6.3 quake in October 2023 that resulted in a devastating loss of life. The Taliban government reported over 4,000 deaths in that prior event, while the United Nations confirmed around 1,500 fatalities. It was considered the deadliest natural disaster to hit the country in recent years.

The Earth's crust consists of several major and minor tectonic plates that are constantly moving. Earthquakes occur when these plates collide, causing their edges to bend under pressure until they crack, releasing energy in the form of seismic waves. The fault line in Afghanistan extends westward to Herat, making the country particularly vulnerable to destructive earthquakes.