Strong earthquake strikes Hindu Kush, shaking Afghanistan and Pakistan

Saturday 27 June 2026 - 17:15

By: Sahili Aya

Strong earthquake strikes Hindu Kush, shaking Afghanistan and Pakistan

A strong earthquake struck Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region on Saturday, sending tremors across large parts of Afghanistan and into neighbouring Pakistan, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).

The seismic event was widely felt in the Afghan capital Kabul and triggered panic in several areas of northern Pakistan, although no immediate reports of casualties or major damage were confirmed.

Panic reported in northern Pakistan

Residents in Pakistan’s Swat district, located in the mountainous Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, reported strong shaking that caused people to rush out of their homes.

Witnesses described scenes of alarm as families gathered in open spaces following the tremors. Local accounts indicated that the shaking lasted several seconds and was strong enough to be clearly felt indoors.

Despite the intensity of the quake, authorities had not reported fatalities or structural damage in the immediate aftermath.

Deep magnitude 6 quake recorded

According to the EMSC, the earthquake had a magnitude of 6.0 and originated at a depth of approximately 100 kilometres (62 miles), classifying it as a deep-focus seismic event. Such earthquakes are often felt over a wide geographic area but tend to cause less severe surface damage than shallower quakes of similar magnitude.

Seismologists noted that the Hindu Kush region is one of the most active seismic zones in the world due to ongoing tectonic activity between the Indian and Eurasian plates.

Earlier tremor reported in Pakistan

Earlier on the same day, a separate earthquake measuring magnitude 5.4 was recorded in Pakistan, also reported by the EMSC. No immediate link between the two seismic events has been confirmed.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation as aftershocks remain possible in the region.

Seismic risk in a volatile region

The Hindu Kush and surrounding areas are known for frequent seismic activity, with deep earthquakes occurring regularly due to complex underground fault systems. While many such events pass without major destruction, they often prompt precautionary evacuations and public concern due to their wide reach.

Emergency services in both Afghanistan and Pakistan remain on alert following the tremor, as assessments continue across affected districts.