A magnitude-6.3 earthquake struck northern Afghanistan overnight, killing at least 20 people and injuring hundreds, with rescue efforts underway and the death toll expected to rise.
The earthquake occurred at approximately 01:00 local time on Monday near the city of Mazar-e-Sharif, one of Afghanistan’s largest urban centers with a population of about 500,000. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake had a magnitude of 6.3 and a depth of 28 kilometers, issuing an orange alert that signaled significant casualties were likely due to the region’s vulnerability. The tremor was felt across northern provinces, prompting widespread panic and evacuations as residents feared building collapses.
Local authorities confirmed at least 20 fatalities, with the Taliban government’s health ministry stating that more than 530 people have been injured. Officials warned that the number of dead and injured could increase as search and rescue operations continue in the affected regions, particularly in Balkh and Samangan provinces. Haji Zaid, a Taliban spokesman in Balkh, reported that many injuries resulted from people falling from tall buildings during the shaking, and minor damages were noted across districts.
The quake caused widespread power outages across Afghanistan, including in the capital Kabul, after damaging electricity lines from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, which are major power suppliers to the country. This disruption compounded the chaos, hindering initial response efforts and leaving many areas without essential services. Reports also indicated structural damage to key sites, such as the historic Blue Mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif, a revered Shia Muslim landmark built in the 15th century.
Video footage shared on social media showed debris scattered around the Blue Mosque, though the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. The mosque, believed to house the tomb of the first Shia Imam, is a pilgrimage site, and any harm to it holds significant cultural and religious implications. Taliban police spokesmen, including Khalid Zadran, stated that authorities are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating rescue efforts amid the challenges.
This earthquake follows a magnitude-6.0 quake that hit eastern Afghanistan in late August, killing over 1,100 people and highlighting the region’s susceptibility to seismic disasters. That earlier event was especially deadly due to rural housing made of mud and timber, which easily collapses during tremors. The recurrence of such incidents underscores the persistent risks faced by communities in earthquake-prone areas.
Afghanistan is highly susceptible to earthquakes because of its location on the boundary between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, where frequent seismic activity occurs. The country’s poor communication networks, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of earthquake-resistant buildings often hamper rescue and relief efforts, exacerbating the impact of natural disasters. These factors make it difficult to quickly assess damage and provide aid to remote affected areas.
As emergency response teams work to evaluate the full impact, international aid organizations may be called upon to assist, though the ongoing political situation under Taliban rule could influence the efficiency of disaster response. Past experiences suggest that coordination between local authorities and global partners is crucial for effective relief, including medical care, shelter, and supplies for the injured and displaced.
The recurrence of significant earthquakes in Afghanistan emphasizes the urgent need for improved infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and early warning systems. With the death toll from this latest event likely to climb, the immediate focus remains on saving lives, treating the injured, and supporting those who have lost homes or loved ones in the aftermath.