Ask Onix
At least 20 dead in northern Afghanistan earthquake
A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan early Monday, killing at least 20 people and injuring over 530, according to local authorities and the Taliban-led health ministry. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue in affected areas.
Quake strikes near Mazar-e-Sharif
The tremor hit near Mazar-e-Sharif, a city of roughly 500,000 people, at approximately 01:00 local time (20:30 GMT Sunday). The U.S. Geological Survey recorded the quake at a depth of 28 km (17 miles), triggering an orange alert-signaling a high likelihood of significant casualties and damage.
Haji Zaid, a Taliban spokesman for Balkh province, reported on X that Sholgara district, south of Mazar-e-Sharif, suffered the most injuries, with many caused by falls from tall buildings. He noted "superficial damages" across the province, while residents fled homes fearing collapses, as reported by AFP.
Power outages and structural damage
The quake severed electricity lines from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan-key suppliers to Afghanistan-plunging the country, including the capital Kabul, into darkness. Videos shared by Taliban officials showed debris scattered at the historic Blue Mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif, a 15th-century Shia pilgrimage site believed to house the tomb of Imam Ali, the Prophet Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law.
Khalid Zadran, a Taliban police spokesman in Kabul, stated on X that authorities were "closely monitoring the situation." Additional fatalities were reported in neighboring Samangan province, a mountainous region near the epicenter.
Afghanistan's vulnerability to earthquakes
This disaster follows a 6.0-magnitude quake in late August that killed over 1,100 people in Afghanistan's eastern region. Rural homes there-often constructed from mud and timber-collapsed easily, trapping residents. The country's location atop the collision zone of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates makes it highly seismic, while poor infrastructure and communication networks frequently hinder rescue efforts.
"Most of the injuries were caused by people falling from tall buildings."
Haji Zaid, Taliban spokesman for Balkh province, via X
Ongoing challenges
Rescue teams face obstacles including damaged roads and limited resources, compounded by Afghanistan's fragile healthcare system. The Taliban government has not yet issued a formal appeal for international aid, though local officials urged immediate medical and logistical support.
