A devastating magnitude 6.3 earthquake has struck northern Afghanistan, resulting in at least 20 fatalities and leaving hundreds injured, according to local authorities. The powerful tremor hit the region near Mazar-e-Sharif, a major city with a population of around 500,000, shortly after 01:00 local time on Monday. The US Geological Survey reported the earthquake had a depth of 28km (17 miles) and issued an orange alert, signaling the likelihood of significant casualties.
The Taliban government’s health ministry confirmed that over 530 people have sustained injuries. Initial reports from provincial officials suggest the death toll may continue to rise as search and rescue operations are underway.
The earthquake caused widespread damage, with many houses reportedly destroyed. Residents of Mazar-e-Sharif rushed into the streets fearing their homes would collapse. The quake also triggered a country-wide power outage due to damage to electricity lines supplied by Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
Videos shared online appear to show debris scattered around the Blue Mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif, a significant religious site. The mosque, a 15th-century landmark, is believed to house the tomb of the first Shia Imam and is a place of worship and pilgrimage.
The affected area, including Samangan province, has reported numerous casualties. This tragedy follows a devastating 6.0 magnitude earthquake in eastern Afghanistan in late August, which claimed over 1,100 lives. The impact of such seismic events is often exacerbated by the region’s vulnerability due to its location on tectonic fault lines and the challenges posed by underdeveloped infrastructure and communication networks.