Earthquake of magnitude 4.4 jolts Afghanistan as survivors reel from earlier deadly tremor

A 4.4-magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan early Thursday, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS). The tremor occurred at a shallow depth of 10 km, making it more likely to trigger aftershocks.

In a post on X, the NCS said, “EQ of M: 4.4, On: 06/11/2025 03:40:41 IST, Lat: 34.55 N, Long: 70.62 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Afghanistan.”

Experts note that shallow quakes tend to be more destructive because seismic waves travel a shorter distance to the surface, causing stronger shaking and greater damage potential.

The latest quake comes as Afghanistan continues to recover from a powerful earthquake earlier in the week that killed at least 27 people and injured nearly 1,000 in the country’s northern region, according to a Tolo News report citing officials.

Many survivors who lost their homes are now taking shelter in school buildings as winter nears. Gulabuddin, a resident of Samangan province, said his house was destroyed, leaving his family of ten homeless. “My pregnant daughter-in-law was killed when the house collapsed. God saved eight other members of our family,” he told Tolo News.

In Khulm district, families who lost their homes are appealing for urgent aid. “We need food and a proper place to stay. Winter is coming, and my youngest child has fallen sick,” said Nasim Gul.

Another survivor, Mirza Mohammad, added, “Everything we owned is buried under the rubble. We came to the school building, but we have nothing here.”