A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck near the northern Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif early Monday, leaving at least 10 people dead and more than 260 injured, according to local authorities. Rescue operations are ongoing, and officials fear the death toll could rise further.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed that the quake occurred at a depth of 28 kilometers (17.4 miles) near Mazar-e-Sharif, home to over half a million residents. The tremors caused widespread panic as buildings shook and residents fled their homes.
Samim Joyanda, spokesperson for the Samangan provincial health department, said, “A total of 150 people injured and seven martyred have been reported and transferred to health centers as of this morning.” The figures were based on early hospital reports.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Response
The Taliban’s Ministry of Defense reported that Balkh and Samangan provinces were among the worst affected, with numerous casualties and collapsed structures. Military and emergency response teams have been dispatched to conduct rescue operations, transport the injured, and provide relief to families who lost their homes.
Health ministry spokesperson Sharfat Zaman confirmed that medical and rescue teams have reached the quake-hit zones. “All nearby hospitals are on high alert as we expect the numbers of dead and injured to increase,” he said.
The USGS issued an orange alert under its PAGER system, indicating that “significant casualties are likely and the disaster is potentially widespread.”
Region Prone to Deadly Quakes
Afghanistan sits atop two major active fault lines, making it one of the most earthquake-prone regions in Asia. In August 2024, a series of powerful tremors in the country’s southeast killed over 2,200 people and injured thousands.
In Monday’s quake, part of the historic Blue Mosque — also known as the Holy Shrine of Mazar-i-Sharif — suffered damage, according to Balkh province spokesperson Haji Zaid.
Footage shared on social media showed rescue workers pulling survivors and victims from the rubble, while others cleared debris from collapsed homes. However, Reuters could not immediately verify the authenticity of the images.
As rescue efforts continue, humanitarian organizations have called for urgent assistance to help those displaced by the disaster.
