Afghanistan was struck by a magnitude 5.2 earthquake on Thursday, following a series of tremors including magnitudes 4.6 and 4.9. The NCS reported multiple earthquakes over recent days at varying depths. The country’s vulnerability to natural disasters is exacerbated by ongoing conflict and lack of resources, making it essential to reinforce readiness and resilience in affected communities.
On Thursday, Afghanistan experienced a magnitude 5.2 earthquake as reported by the National Center for Seismology (NCS). The tremor occurred at a depth of 180 kilometers. According to an update from the NCS, the earthquake was documented with the coordinates 36.32 N latitude and 71.08 E longitude.
This earthquake was identified as an aftershock to an earlier magnitude 4.6 quake that struck the same day. The NCS reported that this tremor occurred at 8:38 AM IST at a shallow depth of 160 kilometers, with its coordinates at 36.36 N latitude and 70.93 E longitude.
Additionally, prior to these events, a 4.2-magnitude earthquake affected the region on March 23, registering at 138 kilometers deep with coordinates of 36.31 N latitude and 71.05 E longitude. Furthermore, on March 21, the area was jolted by another quake of magnitude 4.9, occurring at a depth of 160 kilometers.
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), Afghanistan is particularly susceptible to various natural disasters, including earthquakes. The region’s communities are already vulnerable due to prolonged conflict and underdevelopment, which limits their resilience against multiple shocks.
Afghanistan’s geological activity is underlined by its location on several fault lines that form between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, contributing to frequent seismic activity. It is essential to note that the depth of an earthquake significantly affects the level of damage it can cause, with shallower quakes generally resulting in greater devastation for affected areas.
In summary, Afghanistan remains at significant risk for seismic events, as demonstrated by the recent series of earthquakes, including magnitudes of 5.2, 4.6, 4.2, and 4.9. These events not only pose immediate threats to life and property but also highlight the vulnerabilities of communities already enduring the ramifications of conflict and underdevelopment. As Afghanistan sits upon multiple fault lines, it is crucial for ongoing assessments and preparedness measures to mitigate the impacts of future seismic activities.
Original Source: www.zeebiz.com
