Earthquake Today: Strong tremors felt in Delhi-NCR, Jammu and Kashmir as magnitude 6.2 quake jolts Afghanistan

A powerful 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan on Saturday, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), with tremors felt across northern India, including Delhi-NCR. The quake occurred at 7:04 pm and struck at a depth of 215 km beneath the surface.

While there have been no immediate reports of damage or injuries, authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation.

The NCS confirmed the seismic activity in a post on social media platform X. Tremors were also reported across Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) highlights that Afghanistan is extremely susceptible to natural hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, and seasonal floods. UNOCHA also pointed out that the frequent seismic activity in the region severely impacts already fragile communities, which have endured years of conflict and underdevelopment.

Social media reacts

Social media was flooded with reports of earthquake tremors felt across several parts of India, including Delhi and Srinagar.

A resident of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar described the brief moments of panic, saying he was indoors when the shaking began.

"An earthquake struck. I was sitting on a chair inside. The chair shook... Thankfully, there is no damage in this area so far. I don't know what might happen next..." Ahmed said.

The latest tremors come after at least five moderate-intensity earthquakes struck Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan since Friday, indicating heightened seismic activity in the region.

Meanwhile, on June 25, Venezuela was hit by twin earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude. The powerful quakes reportedly claimed at least 920 lives, left more than 51,000 people missing, and caused extensive destruction.

Venezuela earthquake

Venezuela's government on Saturday said more than 1,600 members of international rescue teams had arrived to assist in search and rescue operations following the devastating twin earthquakes that have claimed over 900 lives. Authorities have also tightened access to the worst-hit state as relief efforts continue.

While the government says hundreds of people remain missing or trapped beneath the rubble, an opposition-backed website lists more than 54,000 people as unaccounted for.

The twin earthquakes, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck Venezuela earlier this week. The US Geological Survey has estimated that the death toll could exceed 10,000, potentially making the disaster one of the deadliest earthquakes in Latin America over the past century.

In the coastal city of La Guaira, a popular beach destination, residents and volunteers have raised concerns over a shortage of heavy machinery and the limited presence of government rescue teams. At least 100 buildings, including several residential high-rises, were destroyed or severely damaged in the disaster.

Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez said in an overnight address on state television that 10 more countries were expected to join the rescue mission, while around 14,000 military personnel and police officers had been deployed in La Guaira to maintain security and implement sanitation measures.

"In recent hours, Venezuela has received 17 flights carrying more than 1,600 members of rescue teams, and over the next 24 hours, the arrival of 25 additional flights is expected," said foreign ministry official Oliver Blanco.

"We thank the international community for its support and solidarity during these moments of uncertainty for Venezuelans," Blanco added on X in the early hours of Saturday.