Magnitude 5.0 Earthquake Strikes Afghanistan with Tremors Felt Across Kashmir Valley

SRINAGAR, April 18, 2026:- A moderate earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale struck the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan earlier today, with its effects reaching parts of the Kashmir Valley.

According to data from the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre, the seismic activity occurred at 8:24 am local time, originating at a significant depth of 190 kilometers.

The epicenter was pinpointed near Zaybak in the Badakhshan province of Afghanistan, located at coordinates 36.5536°N and 70.9259°E. At the time of the quake, the weather at the epicenter was reported as overcast with a temperature of 20.5°C.

While the tremors caused brief moments of panic among residents in the Kashmir Valley, the substantial depth of the earthquake likely mitigated the impact on the surface.

Despite the noticeable vibration felt across regional borders, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or major structural damage from the affected areas in either Afghanistan or Jammu and Kashmir. Local authorities continue to monitor the situation for any aftershocks.