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BREAKING NEWS: Strong 6.0 Earthquake Strikes Afghanistan, Tremors Shake Many Cities in Pakistan
DocuNews Central – September 1, 2025
A Sudden Shake That Rocked the Region
Last night, a powerful earthquake of 6.0 magnitude struck southeastern Afghanistan, very close to the Pakistan border. The ground shook with force, sending fear and panic across both countries. The quake hit around 11:47 p.m. local time when most people were at home with their families.
The epicenter was near Jalalabad in Afghanistan’s Kunar Province, but the shockwaves were so strong that they traveled across the border and shook Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Peshawar, and other parts of northern Pakistan.
Many residents in Pakistan said they had never felt tremors this sharp in recent times.
How People Reacted in Pakistan
The quake hit when many were resting for the night. Suddenly, the walls, doors, and windows started to shake. Some people reported hearing a loud rumbling sound just before the ground moved.
Out of fear, families rushed out of their homes into the open streets. In cities like Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Taxila, Wah Cantonment, and Chakwal, hundreds of residents stood outside barefoot, many still holding their children in their arms.
In Murree and the hilly regions, some people said they feared landslides might follow. In Peshawar, shopkeepers and workers who were closing late-night businesses ran for cover.
No Deaths or Major Damage in Pakistan
So far, Pakistan has not reported any deaths or large-scale damage.
Disaster management teams quickly checked the major cities for cracks in buildings, bridges, and key infrastructure. Hospitals were placed on alert. Emergency numbers were shared to the public.
The good news is that Pakistan has escaped with only minor scares and no loss of life.
A Different Story in Afghanistan
While Pakistan was lucky, Afghanistan has suffered a heavy blow. Early reports from Afghan officials say that entire villages in Kunar Province have been destroyed. Homes made of mud and stone collapsed instantly under the force of the earthquake.
Rescue workers and locals are digging through rubble with their bare hands. As of this morning, at least 250 to 500 people are feared dead. More than 500 to 1,000 others are injured, many with broken bones, head wounds, and burns from falling debris.
Sadly, the death toll is expected to rise as more villages are reached by rescue teams.
Why Was the Quake Felt So Strong in Pakistan?
Experts say the earthquake was shallow — only about 8 to 10 kilometers deep. Shallow quakes are more dangerous because their shockwaves travel fast and strong to the surface.
This is why even though the epicenter was inside Afghanistan, the quake was felt strongly in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad regions.
Pakistan lies close to a major seismic fault line. Earthquakes are not new here, but each one brings fear of another disaster like the 2005 earthquake in Kashmir, which killed over 80,000 people.
Voices From the Ground
DocuNews Central gathered voices from ordinary people who felt the quake:
A resident of Islamabad’s G-10 sector said: “I was about to sleep when suddenly my bed started shaking. I thought it was my imagination, but then I heard neighbors shouting and running outside. We all stayed out until after midnight.”
In Rawalpindi, a young shopkeeper shared: “The windows rattled so hard, I thought they would break. Everyone left their shops and stood in the streets, praying.”
A mother in Peshawar said: “My children cried and we ran outside. For a moment, I thought our roof would fall. Thank God we are safe.”
Government Response in Pakistan
Authorities in Pakistan have assured the public that the situation is under control. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is on high alert and monitoring all areas that reported tremors.
Rescue and emergency teams are also ready to move in case aftershocks cause damage. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned that small aftershocks may still be felt. Citizens are urged to:
Stay calm and alert.
Move outside if the ground shakes again.
Avoid standing near old or weak buildings.
Keep emergency supplies nearby.
Solidarity With Afghanistan
The Government of Pakistan has also expressed deep sadness over the heavy loss of life in Afghanistan. Pakistan’s officials have offered aid and rescue support to help Afghan authorities.
This is not the first time both countries have stood together in tragedy. Natural disasters often remind people that borders may divide nations, but pain and survival unite them.
A Reminder to Stay Prepared
This earthquake is a clear reminder that natural disasters come without warning. Experts advise that families should always:
Know safe spots in their homes, like under a strong table or near inside walls.
Keep a first-aid kit, flashlight, and clean water ready.
Teach children what to do when the ground shakes.
Never use elevators during a quake.
Preparedness can save lives when seconds matter.
Conclusion: Fear, Relief, and Sadness
For Pakistan, the earthquake brought fear but also relief. Fear because the shaking was strong and sudden. Relief because no lives were lost in Pakistan.
But for Afghanistan, it is a story of sadness and destruction. Families are mourning loved ones, and survivors are waiting for rescue in broken villages.
As Pakistanis sleep tonight, many will remember the shakes of last night and pray for those across the border who are suffering.
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