6.4-magnitude earthquake rattled areas in Pakistan and Afghanistan

A 6.4-magnitude earthquake rattled regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan on Thursday. Pakistani authorities and the U.S. Geological Survey said that the quake's epicenter was situated in the Hindu Kush Mountain range in Afghanistan, mentioning that it was the third earthquake to strike the country in three months. Residents went out of their homes and offices after feeling the earthquake, while fortunately there was no loss of life.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the quake's epicenter was located 45km from Jurm village in northeastern Afghanistan, at a depth of 206km, as reported by the USGS. Despite being felt in Pakistan's major cities, including Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, and Muzaffarabad in the disputed Kashmir region, there were no immediate reports of damage in these countries. The latter was confirmed by Bilal Faizi, a spokesperson for Pakistan's emergency services.

Furthermore, the quake was felt in Kabul and the northeastern provinces of Afghanistan, and hence the International Rescue Committee expressed deep concern about its potential impact on an already challenged Afghan population dealing with conflict, climate change, and economic crises. The aid agency stressed the necessity for a robust humanitarian response considering the effects of the recent significant earthquakes in the region.