In a rare and unsettling sequence, a series of earthquakes struck various regions across Asia and even reached as far as Australia, all within a brief window of approximately one and a half hours onWednesday morning. Countries including India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Tibet experienced seismic activity almost back-to-back, with tremors also being recorded in the Indian Ocean off the southwest coast of Australia. Fortunately, as per the latest updates, there have been no reports of casualties or significant damage to infrastructure.

Tibet Hit First with Moderate Tremor

The earthquake series began in the early hours of Wednesday when Tibet was struck by a moderate earthquake. According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the tremor registered a magnitude of 4.2 on the Richter scale and occurred at approximately 3:50 AM Indian Standard Time (IST). The epicenter of the quake was located at a latitude of 27.87°N and a longitude of 87.65°E, with the seismic activity originating at a depth of 26 kilometers. While the magnitude was not particularly high, the location's geological characteristics meant the tremor was felt across surrounding areas.

Powerful Earthquake Jolts Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush Region

Less than an hour later, a significantly stronger earthquake struck Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region. This tremor, measured at a magnitude of 5.9, occurred at 4:43 AM IST. The epicenter was at 35.83°N latitude and 70.60°E longitude. The quake had a depth of 75 kilometers, suggesting it originated deeper underground compared to the Tibetan quake. This depth may have helped mitigate some of the surface impact, though such quakes in the Hindu Kush region are capable of triggering landslides or rockfalls due to the mountainous terrain.

Bangladesh and India Experience Lighter Tremors

Within minutes of the Afghan quake, seismic activity was recorded in Bangladesh at around 5:07 AM IST. This earthquake was milder, with a magnitude of 2.9, and occurred at a depth of 14 kilometers. The epicenter was located at 24.89°N latitude and 91.16°E longitude. While not severe, such tremors can often cause unease among residents, especially in densely populated areas.

Shortly after, at approximately 5:14 AM IST, a minor earthquake was felt in the Indian region of Jammu and Kashmir. The 2.4 magnitude quake had its epicenter in Kishtwar and occurred at a shallow depth of just 5 kilometers. Despite their lower magnitudes, shallow earthquakes tend to be more noticeable on the surface and can create brief but sharp jolts.

Massive Quake Strikes Southwest of Australia

Adding to the morning’s seismic unrest, a significant earthquake was recorded far from the Asian mainland. At about 7:12 AM IST, a strong 6.6-magnitude earthquake struck in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Australia. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake’s epicentre was located roughly 2,069 kilometers southwest of Albany, a city in Western Australia. The tremor originated at a depth of 10 kilometers. Fortunately, authorities confirmed that no tsunami warning had been issued, and no damage has been reported thus far.

No Reports of Injuries or Major Damage

Despite the unusual frequency and geographical spread of these seismic events, there have been no reports of fatalities or significant structural damage across the affected regions. Emergency services and geological agencies continue to monitor the situation closely, although there are currently no indications of aftershocks or related seismic threats.

The string of quakes serves as a reminder of the Earth’s unpredictable tectonic activity, particularly in seismically active zones such as the Hindu Kush, Himalayas, and the tectonic boundaries beneath the Indian Ocean. Authorities have advised citizens to remain calm and to follow local safety protocols in the event of further tremors.