New Delhi, India — April 4, 2026
A 5.9 magnitude earthquake shook large parts of North India late Friday night, sending panic across Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Haryana, and Jammu & Kashmir, according to officials and reports from Press Trust of India.
The tremors prompted residents to rush out of their homes as buildings swayed briefly. While no immediate reports of casualties or major damage have emerged, the sudden shaking caused widespread alarm across the region.
Epicenter in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush
Officials confirmed that the earthquake’s epicenter was located in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush mountain range, near the Afghanistan–Tajikistan border. The quake originated at a depth of approximately 150 kilometers below the Earth’s surface, which contributed to its wide geographical impact.
The tremors were not limited to India. Reports indicate that the seismic activity was felt across India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan, highlighting the regional spread of the earthquake.
A resident from Ghaziabad described the moment, saying the tremors coincided with rainfall and initially felt mild but noticeable enough to step outside and assess the situation.
Regional Impact and Pakistan Update
Separately, authorities in Pakistan reported a 6.3 magnitude earthquake in the same region around 9:13 PM local time. According to Pakistan’s National Seismic Monitoring Center, no loss of life or property damage has been reported so far.
Why Do Earthquakes Occur?
Earthquakes occur due to movements within the Earth’s crust, which is made up of several tectonic plates. These plates are constantly shifting. When they collide or slide past each other along fault lines, pressure builds up over time.
Once this pressure exceeds a certain threshold, it releases energy in the form of seismic waves, causing the ground to shake. This sudden release is what we experience as an earthquake.
What Do Magnitude and Epicenter Mean?
- Epicenter: The point on the Earth’s surface directly above where the earthquake originates underground. This area typically experiences the strongest shaking.
- Magnitude: A measure of the energy released during an earthquake. It is recorded using the Richter scale, which ranges from 1 to 9.
The higher the magnitude, the stronger the earthquake. A quake above 7.0 can cause severe damage, especially within a 40-kilometer radius of the epicenter.
