Powerful 6.2-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Afghanistan; Tremors Felt Across Delhi-NCR, Kashmir, Pakistan and North India
A powerful magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck Afghanistan’s seismically active Hindu Kush region on Saturday evening, sending tremors across Afghanistan, Pakistan, Jammu & Kashmir, Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and several parts of northern India. Initial reports indicated no immediate casualties or major structural damage, although authorities continued monitoring the situation.
Earthquake Details
According to India’s National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake occurred at 7:04 PM IST.
Key Facts
- Magnitude: 6.2
- Date: June 27, 2026
- Time: 7:04 PM IST
- Epicentre: Hindu Kush region, Afghanistan
- Depth: Approximately 215 km
- USGS Location: Around 43 km south of Jurm, northeastern Afghanistan.
The considerable depth allowed seismic waves to travel long distances, causing the earthquake to be felt across multiple countries.
Tremors Across North India
Residents in Delhi-NCR, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and parts of Chandigarh reported noticeable shaking.
Many people briefly evacuated homes and office buildings as a precaution after ceiling fans, lights, and furniture swayed. Social media was quickly filled with videos and eyewitness accounts describing several seconds of shaking.
Pakistan Also Experiences Strong Shaking
The earthquake was widely felt across Pakistan, including:
- Islamabad
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- Punjab Province
- Pakistan-administered Kashmir
Emergency authorities remained on alert while assessments were initiated. No significant damage had been officially confirmed immediately after the quake.
Why the Hindu Kush Region Experiences Frequent Earthquakes
The Hindu Kush is among the world’s most active seismic zones because it lies where the Indian Plate continues to collide with the Eurasian Plate.
Unlike shallow earthquakes, many Hindu Kush earthquakes originate at intermediate to great depths (150–250 km) within the descending Indian Plate. These deep earthquakes often produce widespread tremors over very large areas while causing comparatively less surface damage near the epicentre than shallow quakes of similar magnitude.
Was There Any Damage?
As of publication:
- No immediate reports of fatalities.
- No tsunami threat.
- Authorities in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India continue monitoring for aftershocks and possible local damage assessments.
Safety Advice During Earthquakes
If you experience earthquake shaking:
- Drop, Cover, and Hold On.
- Stay away from windows and heavy furniture.
- Do not use elevators.
- If outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings and power lines.
- Follow official advisories and avoid spreading unverified information.
Expert Analysis
A 6.2-magnitude earthquake at a depth of about 215 km is consistent with the deep-focus seismic activity commonly recorded beneath the Hindu Kush. Such earthquakes can be felt across hundreds or even thousands of kilometres because seismic energy is transmitted efficiently through the Earth’s interior. This explains why residents across northern India and Pakistan experienced noticeable tremors despite the epicentre being in northeastern Afghanistan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were tremors felt in Delhi despite the epicentre being in Afghanistan?
Because the earthquake originated deep underground, its seismic waves travelled efficiently over long distances, reaching much of northern India.
Is there a tsunami risk?
No. The earthquake occurred inland in the Hindu Kush mountain region, so it did not generate a tsunami threat.
Should people expect aftershocks?
Aftershocks are common after earthquakes, although deep-focus events often produce fewer damaging aftershocks than shallow earthquakes.
A powerful 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region on June 27, 2026, with tremors felt across Delhi-NCR, Kashmir, Pakistan and northern India. Read the latest updates, expert analysis and safety information.
