6.3 Magnitude Earthquake in Afghanistan Kills at Least 20
An earthquake has struck northern Afghanistan, killing at least 20 people and injuring hundreds more. The 6.3 magnitude tremor hit near Mazar-e-Sharif, one of the country’s largest cities, just before 1am local time on Monday.
The United States Geological Survey recorded the quake at a depth of 28km (17 miles) and issued an orange alert, warning that “significant casualties are likely and the disaster is potentially widespread.” Officials said the number of victims is expected to rise as rescue work continues across Balkh province and nearby mountainous areas.
Health Ministry spokesman Sharafat Zaman said the figure of 20 dead was preliminary, while more than 500 people have been reported injured. Haji Zaid, a Taliban spokesperson in Balkh, wrote on X that “many people are injured” and confirmed that the city’s famous Blue Mosque had suffered damage. Built in the 15th century, the mosque is one of Afghanistan’s most sacred landmarks.
Witnesses in Mazar-e-Sharif described running into the streets in panic as buildings shook violently. Many residents stayed outside for hours, fearing aftershocks. Local authorities said several of the injuries happened when people fell from buildings as they tried to escape.
Power cuts were reported across parts of the country, including Kabul, after supply lines from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan were damaged. The United Nations in Afghanistan said it was already “on the ground assessing needs and delivering aid,” adding, “we stand with the affected communities and will provide the necessary support.”
Afghanistan is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries, sitting on the fault line between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. Poorly built homes and fragile infrastructure often worsen the toll when disasters strike.
The quake adds to a string of deadly tremors the country has suffered in recent years. In August, more than 2,000 people died in eastern Afghanistan after another 6.0 quake, while the western Herat province saw four major earthquakes last year that killed thousands.
Authorities fear that Monday’s disaster could once again test the Taliban government’s ability to respond as international aid remains limited.
