On 10/03/2025, a 4.0 magnitude earthquake hit Afghanistan at a depth of 10 km, increasing risks for aftershocks. This event follows a series of earthquakes impacting the region and highlights Afghanistan’s vulnerability to natural disasters. Concurrently, Argentina experiences severe flooding with 15 reported deaths, showcasing the pressing need for effective disaster management strategies.
On Monday, a 4.0 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan, as reported by the National Center for Seismology (NCS). The seismic event occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, which increases its potential for aftershocks. The NCS provided details on X, stating, “EQ of M: 4.0, On: 10/03/2025 07:01:10 IST, Lat: 36.97 N, Long: 73.14 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Hindu Kush Region, Afghanistan.”
Shallow earthquakes such as this can be particularly dangerous due to their proximity to the surface, leading to greater energy release and subsequently, more significant ground shaking. This can result in increased structural damage and higher casualty rates compared to deeper earthquakes, which dissipate energy as they approach the surface. Earlier on the same day, Pakistan experienced an earthquake of magnitude 4.2, following one of 4.3 magnitude just two days prior.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) has highlighted that Afghanistan remains susceptible to natural disasters including seasonal flooding, landslides, and earthquakes. The frequent seismic activity exacerbates challenges faced by vulnerable communities struggling with the impacts of decades of conflict and under-development, diminishing their resilience to multiple shocks.
Afghanistan is located in a geologically active region, particularly the Hindu Kush Mountain range, where earthquakes are a common occurrence each year. It sits atop several fault lines, including one that runs through Herat, as noted by the Red Cross.
In related news, heavy rains on Argentina’s east coast have resulted in flooding that has claimed at least 15 lives, with search operations ongoing for several missing individuals. In Bahía Blanca, the rains, which began on Friday, caused rivers to overflow, leading to the evacuation of over 1,450 people, including patients from local hospitals. Approximately 12 inches of rainfall were recorded in the region in recent days, surpassing the historical average for the month significantly.
In summary, Afghanistan continues to face threats from natural disasters, exemplified by the recent 4.0 magnitude earthquake in the Hindu Kush region. The country’s vulnerability is increased by its geological positioning and past conflicts, leaving communities with diminished capacity to respond to such disasters. Concurrently, Argentina grapples with severe flooding that has resulted in multiple fatalities. Both situations underscore the critical need for preparedness and response strategies to enhance community resilience against natural disasters.
Original Source: www.mid-day.com
