6.2-magnitude Afghanistan quake shakes Delhi, Kashmir and parts of North India

Powerful earthquake tremors were felt across Delhi-NCR, Jammu and Kashmir and several parts of northern India on Saturday evening after a 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan. The quake sent residents rushing out of homes and offices in several cities, although authorities reported no immediate signs of significant damage or casualties in India.

According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake occurred at 7.04 pm IST with its epicentre located in Afghanistan. The tremors were widely felt due to the earthquake's considerable magnitude and depth beneath the Earth's surface.

Epicentre located in northeastern Afghanistan

According to NDTV, the NCS said the earthquake measured 6.2 on the Richter scale and originated at a depth of 215 kilometres. Its epicentre was located near northeastern Afghanistan, while the United States Geological Survey placed it about 43 kilometres south of Jurm.

The tremor was also experienced in Kabul and eastern Afghan provinces, including Khost and Nangarhar. Neighbouring Pakistan reported shaking in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Swat, Chitral, Hangu and North Waziristan.

The considerable depth of the earthquake allowed seismic waves to travel over long distances, causing tremors to be felt across large parts of South Asia.

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Panic grips residents across North India

According to NDTV, in Delhi-NCR, many residents reported feeling buildings sway for several seconds, prompting people to evacuate offices, apartment complexes and commercial establishments as a precaution.

Tremors were also reported from Jammu and Kashmir and several other northern states. Emergency agencies remained on alert while authorities monitored the situation for possible aftershocks.

There were no immediate reports of structural damage or injuries in India following the earthquake.

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Region remains vulnerable to seismic activity

According to NDTV, the latest earthquake comes months after another strong tremor originating in Afghanistan was felt across Delhi-NCR and northern India earlier this year. The Hindu Kush region, where Saturday's earthquake occurred, is one of the world's most seismically active zones because of the ongoing collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.

The earthquake also follows the devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela earlier this week, causing widespread destruction and heavy casualties.

Experts continue to advise people living in earthquake-prone regions to remain alert, follow official advisories and practise basic earthquake safety measures, particularly in high-rise buildings and densely populated urban centres.