KABUL, Afghanistan — A moderate earthquake with its epicenter in northeastern Afghanistan shook parts of India on Saturday, though there were no immediate reports of casualties.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the 5.7-magnitude quake struck at 11:47 a.m. local time, centered about 53 kilometers south-southwest of Ashkasham District in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan Province.
The tremors were felt across Afghanistan, including in Kabul, and extended into northern India, where they caused panic in several areas. The Indian Express reported the earthquake at a slightly higher magnitude of 5.8, noting that residents in Jammu and Kashmir were particularly alarmed, with many rushing out of their homes and offices.
Authorities in both countries have yet to report any casualties or major damage.
The mountainous region, where Afghanistan, Pakistan and India converge, is prone to frequent seismic activity due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
