5.9 Earthquake Hits Afghanistan; Tremors Felt in Delhi-NCR, North India A powerful 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan on Friday evening, triggering tremors that were felt across Delhi-NCR and several regions of North India. The seismic activity occurred around 9:50 pm local time, causing widespread concern among residents in the affected areas. While the epicenter of the earthquake was located in Afghanistan, the tremors extended their reach to neighboring regions, including parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The India Today report, dated April 3, 2026, noted that the earthquake was felt as far as Delhi-NCR, where residents experienced mild shaking. Although no immediate casualties or significant structural damage were reported, authorities urged people to remain cautious and monitor updates from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The tremors, while not severe, raised alarms about the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity, particularly given the proximity of fault lines in the area. The earthquake’s magnitude of 5.9 on the Richter scale is classified as a moderate event, capable of causing minor damage to poorly constructed buildings. However, the lack of major infrastructure damage in the immediate aftermath suggests that the quake did not reach the critical threshold for widespread destruction. Officials in Delhi and North India swiftly responded by advising citizens to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel during the tremors. The incident has sparked renewed discussions about earthquake preparedness in the region. Experts have highlighted the need for improved building codes and emergency response systems, especially in densely populated urban centers like Delhi-NCR.#india_meteorological_department #afghanistan #punjab #delhi_ncr #national_disaster_response_force
Storms and Rain Return to South Bengal Starting Friday Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to return to South Bengal beginning Friday, with strong winds and intermittent downpours affecting several districts. The weather system is anticipated to bring gusts of 40 to 50 kilometers per hour, accompanied by lightning and light to moderate rainfall. Kolkata, along with Bakura, Purba and Paschim Bardhaman, and Jhargram, will be among the regions most impacted. The weather forecast indicates a temporary rise in temperatures following the rain, with daytime highs potentially increasing by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius. However, humidity levels are expected to remain high, creating uncomfortable conditions. Meteorologists have warned that the heatwave is unlikely to persist, as the weather pattern is set to shift on Friday. Rainfall is projected to continue through the weekend, with scattered showers likely in parts of South Bengal. Authorities have issued yellow alerts for potential cyclonic activity, including the possibility of a kala baisakhi (pre-monsoon storm), which could intensify by Saturday. Residents in vulnerable areas are advised to stay prepared for sudden weather changes. In addition to South Bengal, similar conditions are expected in North Bengal, with rainfall likely in districts such as Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar. Tourists and locals are urged to monitor weather updates and take precautions, as the region may experience erratic weather patterns. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has activated its contingency plans to manage any disruptions caused by the weather. Local authorities are also working to ensure that emergency services are ready to respond to any incidents related to the storm.#kolkata #north_bengal #south_bengal #national_disaster_response_force #kala_baisakhi
