A Shocking Night: Earthquake Rocks Nangarhar

Late on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at precisely 11:47 PM (GMT +4:30), a powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake hit Nangarhar, located about 55 km southwest of Asadabad, Kunar, Afghanistan. The seismic event sent shockwaves through the region, with reports of tremors felt across neighboring countries.

Intense Ground Shaking Reported

According to user reports based on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale, the shaking was intense. Residents in Kabul, just 143.1 km west of the epicenter, experienced strong shaking (MMI VI) that lasted for about 30-60 seconds. Eye-witnesses described the sensation as surreal—one speculated it felt like witnessing a scene from a disaster film.

Far-Reaching Effects: Tremors Felt in Pakistan and India

In cities like Mohali, Punjab, and Peshawar, people reported moderate to light shaking (MMI V-IV). In Peshawar, locals described beds shaking and even parrots panicking, warning of the force of the quake.

Nangarhar: The Epicenter of Chaos

Directly within Nangarhar, the shaking was categorized as very strong (MMI VII), with one resident recalling how their entire room felt like it was in a video game, urging everyone in the household to rush for safety. The fear and panic were palpable as this was a first for many who felt the quake.

The Aftermath: A Series of Shakes

Reports indicated that Jalalabad, located just 26.9 km from the epicenter, felt multiple tremors throughout the night. One resident noted that by the fourth shake, anxiety had reached a tipping point.

The Science Behind the Quake: Understanding the MMI Scale

The intensity of the quake was measured using the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale, which ranges from I (not felt) to X (extreme shaking). This scale assesses how strongly the earthquake impacts various people and structures, heavily reliant on distance from the epicenter.

Community Impact and Concerns

As reports flowed in from various cities, the earthquake's aftereffects reverberated through communities. The shaking was felt in areas up to approximately 912.5 km away, with the intensity and perception varying significantly across locations. The need for awareness and preparedness is becoming increasingly dire as seismic activity continues to remind the region of its vulnerabilities.

Conclusion: A Moment to Reflect and Prepare

This earthquake serves as a stark reminder of nature's might and the importance of being prepared for such natural disasters. As communities recover and gather information, the focus will shift to understanding the seismic risks and building resilience for the future.