An earthquake of magnitude 5.3 struck Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region on October 1, according to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) and India’s National Centre for Seismology (NCS).

The NCS said the quake occurred at 6:59:20 am IST at a depth of 126 km, with its epicentre about 165 km north-northwest of Kabul. Tremors were felt in parts of Afghanistan and neighbouring areas.

The Hindu Kush is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone zones, sitting at the collision point of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. Deep quakes here are often felt across a wide area but cause less surface damage.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage. Authorities are monitoring remote mountain areas, where communication is limited, for any updates. The United States Geological Survey also recorded the event, listing it at magnitude 5.2 with a shallower depth estimate. Such differences between agencies are normal in the first hours after a quake.