Two strong aftershocks were recorded in eastern Afghanistan within 12 hours, Reuters reported, citing the German Geosciences Research Center, BTA reports.
The seismic activity is increasing fears of more casualties and destruction, after the earthquake on Sunday night and subsequent tremors killed 2,205 people and injured 3,640, according to the Taliban administration.
According to the research center, the latest earthquake had a magnitude of 5.4 and a depth of 10 km, affecting the southeastern part of the country. Hours earlier, the same region had already been shaken by another earthquake. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage, but witnesses reported strong and prolonged shaking in Nangarhar province.
The powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake that struck just before midnight on Sunday was one of the deadliest in Afghanistan. It caused widespread destruction in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces. A 5.5-magnitude quake followed on Tuesday, triggering landslides and temporarily halting rescue efforts.
Many families in the affected areas chose to stay outdoors, fearing the collapse of their homes, which are mostly made of unstable materials. The United Nations and aid agencies have warned of a critical need for food, medicine and shelter for survivors.
Afghanistan is one of the world's most seismically active regions, as it sits on the boundary between the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates, with the Arabian plate also exerting additional influence. The eastern provinces, including Kunar and Nangarhar, bordering Pakistan, remain at the highest risk.