6.3-magnitude earthquake strikes Northern Afghanistan, leaves 20 dead, over 300 injured

6.3-magnitude earthquake strikes Northern Afghanistan, leaves 20 dead, over 300 injured

Mazar-e Sharif, Afghanistan — A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan early Monday, killing at least 20 people and injuring more than 300 others, according to Afghan authorities.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the tremor occurred at approximately 12:59 a.m. local time near Mazar-e Sharif, the capital of Balkh province, at a depth of 28 kilometers. The agency issued an orange alert, warning of potentially significant casualties and widespread damage.

Afghanistan’s Ministry of Health confirmed that 20 deaths and around 320 injuries had been recorded across Balkh and neighboring Samangan provinces. Ministry spokesperson Sharfat Zaman noted that the figures were preliminary and likely to rise as rescue teams reach more remote areas.

“Health teams have arrived in the affected areas and all nearby hospitals are on standby,” Zaman said, adding that emergency medical support and relief efforts were underway.

In Balkh province, officials reported partial destruction of the historic Blue Mosque, a revered religious site in Mazar-e Sharif. “The earthquake caused serious damage to parts of the Blue Mosque and nearby buildings,” said provincial spokesperson Haji Zaid.

READ ALSO:

• Support Nigeria with technology, not threats, Kwankwaso tells U.S
• Trump’s threats to Nigeria are reckless, infantilising and dangerous, by Halimah Nuhu Sanda
• Ex-Sylva security aide, Col. Ma’aji, named key suspect in alleged plot to undermine democracy

The United Nations Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) confirmed via social media that it was on the ground assessing needs and delivering aid, pledging continued support to affected communities.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as residents fled into the streets during the quake. Tremors were felt as far away as Kabul, approximately 420 kilometers to the south.

Afghanistan’s vulnerability to seismic activity is well-documented, as the country lies on two major tectonic fault lines. Poor infrastructure and limited communication networks have historically hampered disaster response efforts, particularly in remote villages.

The country has endured several devastating earthquakes in recent years. In August, over 2,200 people were killed when a 6.0-magnitude quake struck eastern mountain villages. In 2023, a series of similar tremors in Herat province claimed more than 2,400 lives.

The Taliban-led government, grappling with economic sanctions and reduced foreign aid since taking power in 2021, continues to face mounting challenges in responding to natural disasters.

The Defence Ministry said military rescue and emergency teams were immediately deployed to the affected areas to evacuate survivors, transport the injured, and assist displaced families.

Authorities say the focus remains on search-and-rescue operations, emergency medical care, and restoring communication lines in the worst-hit districts.

6.3-magnitude earthquake strikes Northern Afghanistan, leaves 20 dead, over 300 injured