Why are shallow earthquakes in Afghanistan more dangerous?

Shallow earthquakes cause more dangerous ground shaking because their seismic waves have a shorter distance to travel to the surface.

What causes Afghanistan to experience frequent earthquakes?

Afghanistan's location on the collision zone between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates makes it highly prone to frequent seismic activity.

How do earthquakes affect communities in Afghanistan?

Earthquakes worsen the situation for communities already struggling with conflict and limited development, reducing their resilience to disasters.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Afghanistan Trembles: Shallow Quakes Pose Greater Threat

Afghanistan Trembles: Shallow Quakes Pose Greater Threat

18 Jan

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Summary

Shallow earthquakes generally pose a greater danger than deep ones.
Afghanistan's location on tectonic plate boundaries increases seismic risk.
Repeated natural disasters compound the challenges faced by conflict-affected communities.

Afghanistan Trembles: Shallow Quakes Pose Greater Threat

Shallow earthquakes are generally more hazardous than their deeper counterparts. This is because seismic waves from shallower events have less distance to travel, leading to more intense ground shaking and a higher potential for structural damage and casualties.

Afghanistan, located in a seismically active zone along the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, frequently experiences earthquakes. This geological setting, particularly in regions like the Hindu Kush, makes the country susceptible to seismic events. Recent tremors, including a magnitude 4.2 earthquake on January 15, 2026, at a depth of 96 km, underscore this ongoing risk.

The nation's vulnerability is compounded by its history of conflict and limited development. Repeated natural disasters, such as earthquakes, landslides, and floods, further strain communities already struggling, leaving them with diminished capacity to cope with and recover from multiple shocks.