Afghanistan Quake Felt Across North India, No Damage Reported
- Magnitude 5.9 quake: A deep-focus earthquake struck Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region on April 3, 2026.
- Widespread tremors: Shaking was reported across Delhi-NCR and multiple northern states.
- No casualties: Authorities have confirmed no loss of life or major damage in India so far.
- Depth limited impact: The quake occurred over 150 km below the surface, reducing destruction.
- Delhi remains vulnerable: The region’s seismic zone and soil conditions amplify distant tremors.
A moderate earthquake originating in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region late Friday night, April 3, 2026, was felt across large parts of North India, including Delhi-NCR, briefly unsettling residents but causing no reported damage.
Earthquake Parameters and Epicentre
According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) and international seismic agencies, the earthquake measured 5.9 on the Richter scale and occurred at approximately 9:45 PM IST.
The epicentre was located near Jurm in northeastern Afghanistan within the Hindu Kush mountain range. The earthquake originated at a depth ranging between 150 and 177 kilometres, classifying it as a deep-focus seismic event.
Tremors Across Delhi-NCR and Northern India
In Delhi and the wider National Capital Region, including Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad, residents reported noticeable shaking that lasted several seconds. In high-rise buildings, ceiling fans swayed and furniture shifted slightly, prompting many people to step outside as a precaution.
Tremors were also felt in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. Cities such as Ludhiana and Zirakpur recorded mild to moderate vibrations. Outside India, the earthquake was strongly felt in Kabul and Islamabad.
No Reports of Damage or Casualties
As of the morning of April 4, 2026, there have been no official reports of casualties or significant property damage in India. Authorities have indicated that the considerable depth of the earthquake played a key role in limiting its impact.
Deep-focus earthquakes typically release energy far below the surface, which reduces the intensity of ground shaking and the likelihood of structural damage compared to shallow earthquakes.
Why Delhi Frequently Feels These Earthquakes
Delhi lies in Seismic Zone IV, which places it in a high-risk category for earthquakes. The region is influenced by several active fault lines, including the Sohna, Mahendragarh, and Moradabad faults.
In addition, seismic activity originating in the Hindu Kush region often propagates across long distances toward the Indo-Gangetic plains. The loose alluvial soil in Delhi can amplify ground motion, making distant earthquakes feel stronger than their actual intensity at the surface.
Monitoring and Preparedness
Seismological agencies continue to monitor the region for any aftershocks or related activity. While no immediate threat has been identified, the event serves as a reminder of the seismic sensitivity of North India and the importance of preparedness in densely populated urban areas.