Afghanistan hit by two quakes; 4.5M shallow tremor more dangerous

• Afghanistan experienced two earthquakes on December 9, 2025: a 3.8 magnitude quake at 70km depth and a 4.5 magnitude quake at a shallow 10km depth.
• Shallow earthquakes, like the 4.5 magnitude event, are generally more dangerous due to stronger ground shaking and potential for greater damage.
• A powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake on November 4 killed at least 27 people and injured 956 near Mazar-i-Sharif, also at a shallow depth.
• Afghanistan is highly vulnerable to frequent earthquakes due to its location on active fault lines between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
• The frequent quakes damage vulnerable communities already grappling with conflict and underdevelopment, limiting their resilience.

Why It Matters: Afghanistan's seismic activity continually endangers its vulnerable communities.