On September 1, 2025, at 8:37 AM PKT, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, and nearby cities. The quake also hit Afghanistan, killing nine people. The Pakistan Meteorological Department’s National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC) stated that the epicentre was located in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush mountains.
The quake shook Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Mardan, and Lahore. It also hit Murree, Chakwal, Taxila, and Wah Cantt. Residents fled buildings in fear. Other areas, including Hangu, Malakand, Swat, Mansehra, and Abbottabad, also felt tremors. No major damage or deaths occurred in Pakistan. A 4.6 magnitude aftershock hit at 12:38 AM, raising concerns.
In Afghanistan, the quake struck at 11:47 PM local time. Its epicentre was 27 kilometres east-northeast of Jalalabad, per the US Geological Survey. Nine people died in Nangarhar province. Another 25 were hurt, said health official Ajmal Darwaish. The quake’s shallow depth of eight kilometres made it stronger, shaking Kabul and Islamabad, per Reuters.
Nine killed as 6.0 magnitude earthquake strikes eastern Afghanistan region https://t.co/dlTNJwup6n https://t.co/dlTNJwup6n
— Reuters (@Reuters) August 31, 2025The NSMC tracks aftershocks and urges caution. People should avoid weak buildings. Rescue teams check for damage. The NDMA advised residents to stay away from flooded areas due to ongoing floods. This follows a 5.1-magnitude quake on August 3, highlighting the area’s earthquake risk.
The Hindu Kush often has quakes because it sits where tectonic plates meet. Afghanistan’s 2022 quake killed over 1,000, per BBC. Pakistan’s northern areas, like Azad Jammu and Kashmir, also face tremors. The quake reached Lahore, 370 kilometres away, showing its power. Floods, with 840 deaths, add to Pakistan’s challenges.
The quake exacerbates Pakistan’s flood crisis, with an estimated $50 billion in damage. No deaths in Pakistan offer some relief. However, Afghanistan’s losses underscore the need for improved disaster plans. Posts on X urged safety, with #PakistanEarthquake trending. Stronger buildings and alerts can help save lives.
