A significant earthquake with a magnitude of 5.8 occurred around 130 kilometers northeast of Kabul, according to reports from the US Geological Survey. Initially, there have been no reports of casualties or damages following the earthquake. However, residents of Bamiyan and Wardak provinces, located west of the capital, also reported feeling the tremor, indicating a widespread impact in the region.

Earthquakes in Afghanistan are common, particularly in the Hindukush mountain range, where the convergence of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates increases seismic activity. A notable earthquake occurred in the east of the country last August, registering a magnitude of 6.0, which resulted in the destruction of mountain villages and over 2,200 fatalities. Additionally, in northern Afghanistan, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake claimed at least 27 lives shortly after. These events highlight the ongoing risks that the population faces from natural disasters.

The aftermath of earthquakes in Afghanistan has often been devastating, with hundreds killed and thousands of homes destroyed during significant tremors, such as those in western Herat in 2023 and Nangarhar province in 2022. The mountainous terrain complicates rescue operations due to poor communication networks and infrastructure, which remain severely underdeveloped after decades of conflict. Addressing these vulnerabilities is critical for improving resilience to future seismic events.