Archive · 4 Nov 2025
India Sends Aid to Afghanistan After 6.3 Magnitude Earthquake
A strong earthquake, measuring 6.3 on the magnitude scale, hit northern Afghanistan early Monday morning.
Sadly, this earthquake caused the deaths of at least 20 people and injured over 500.
Homes were also damaged or destroyed in some areas.
Right after the quake, India reached out to Afghanistan's government, which is led by the Taliban.
India's top diplomat, Minister S. Jaishankar, spoke with Afghanistan's Foreign Minister to offer condolences.
India also sent immediate relief supplies, including food and medicine, to help the people affected by the earthquake.
This shows India's support for the Afghan people during this difficult time.
The earthquake's center was located near a town called Khulm, and it happened at a depth of about 28 kilometers below the ground.
A 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan early Monday, causing significant casualties and damage.
At least 20 people were killed and over 500 injured, with figures expected to change as rescue efforts continue.
India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called his Taliban counterpart to convey condolences and discuss bilateral relations.
India dispatched 15 tonnes of food and other essential relief materials, including medicines and diagnostic kits, to the affected regions.
The earthquake's epicentre was near Khulm at a depth of 28 kilometers, affecting provinces like Balkh, Samangan, and Baghlan.
- Who
- India, Taliban-led Afghanistan government, affected communities in Afghanistan
- What
- A 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan, causing casualties and damage. India responded by sending humanitarian aid and its External Affairs Minister spoke with Afghanistan's Foreign Minister.
- When
- Early Monday morning (earthquake); Monday afternoon (Jaishankar's call); Sunday (previous medical aid donation mentioned)
- Where
- Northern Afghanistan, specifically Balkh, Samangan, and Baghlan provinces, with the epicentre near Khulm.
- Why
- The earthquake struck due to seismic activity in a tectonically active region. India's aid is a humanitarian response and a gesture to strengthen bilateral relations with the Taliban government.
India's Diplomatic Approach
Humanitarian Response Context
Engagement with Taliban Government
India's Diplomatic Approach
India engaged directly with the Taliban regime by having its External Affairs Minister call his counterpart, discussing bilateral relations and expressing condolences, signaling a step towards continued diplomatic interaction.
Humanitarian Response Context
The call and aid delivery occur in the context of India's long-standing support for the Afghan people, irrespective of the governing body, and follow a recent visit by a Taliban leader to India.
Nature of Aid
India's Diplomatic Approach
India provided immediate relief, including 15 tonnes of food, to earthquake-affected communities, demonstrating swift humanitarian action.
Humanitarian Response Context
Separately, India had also recently gifted anti-vector-borne disease medicines and diagnostic kits, highlighting a broader commitment to supporting Afghanistan's health sector and public health infrastructure.
- Magnitude
- 6.3
- Epicenter Location
- 22 km west-southwest of Khulm, Afghanistan
- Depth
- 28 kilometers
- Time of Quake
- 12:59 am
- Casualties Reported
- At least 20 dead, over 500 injured (figures changing)
- Damaged Houses
- 800 houses destroyed in one village in Shahr-e-Bozorg district
- Indian Aid Provided
- 15 tonnes of food, anti-vector-borne disease medicines, and diagnostic kits
Sources
Afghanistan Earthquake: Strong Quake Hits Northern Region, Tremors Felt in Pakistan and India
6.3 magnitude earthquake hits Afghanistan; no injuries reported
6.2 magnitude earthquake rocks Afghanistan, 2 months after a tremor killed over 2,000
Magnitude 6.3 earthquake shakes Afghanistan’s Mazar-e Sharif city, casualties feared
Magnitude 6.3 earthquake strikes Afghanistan’s Mazar-e Sharif city, casualties feared
Multiple causalities feared as Afghanistan struck by second earthquake of 6.3 magnitude
Afghanistan Struck By Second Massive 6.3 Earthquake, Multiple Casualties Feared
Powerful 6.3 quake in Northern Afghanistan kills at least seven
7 Killed, 150 Injured As 6.3-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Afghanistan
Magnitude 6.3 earthquake strikes Afghanistan: Why is the country hit so often?