Kabul, January 18, 2026:
An earthquake measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale struck Afghanistan on Sunday, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS).

The tremor occurred at 07:05:58 IST at a shallow depth of 10 km, increasing the likelihood of aftershocks. The epicentre was located at latitude 33.74°N and longitude 65.70°E, the NCS said in a post on X.

“EQ of M: 4.1, On: 18/01/2026 07:05:58 IST, Lat: 33.74 N, Long: 65.70 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Afghanistan,” the agency stated.

Shallow earthquakes are considered more dangerous than deeper ones as seismic waves travel a shorter distance to the surface, often resulting in stronger ground shaking and a higher risk of damage.

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Recent Seismic Activity

Afghanistan has witnessed multiple tremors in recent days:

• January 15: A 4.2-magnitude earthquake struck at a depth of 96 km
• January 14: A 3.8-magnitude quake occurred at a depth of 90 km

No immediate reports of casualties or damage were available at the time of reporting.

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High Seismic Vulnerability

Afghanistan lies in a highly active seismic zone, particularly around the Hindu Kush region, due to the ongoing collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, according to the Red Cross. Several major fault lines, including those passing through regions such as Herat, contribute to frequent seismic activity.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) has warned that Afghanistan remains extremely vulnerable to natural disasters, including earthquakes, landslides, and seasonal flooding. Repeated tremors pose severe challenges for communities already affected by decades of conflict and limited infrastructure, leaving them with low resilience to recurring shocks.

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