Powerful earthquake hits northern Afghanistan, Killing at least 10
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck near the northern Afghan city of Mazar-e Sharif early on Monday, killing at least 10 people and injuring more than 260, according to local authorities.
The death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue across the affected areas.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake struck at a depth of 28 kilometers near Mazar-e Sharif, a city of over half a million residents. Afghan officials said the tremor was felt across Balkh and neighboring Samangan provinces, where most casualties occurred.
Samim Joyanda, spokesperson for the Samangan health department, told Reuters that “150 people injured and seven martyred” had been transferred to local health centers by Monday morning. The Taliban’s defense ministry said military rescue units were deployed immediately to assist trapped residents and deliver emergency aid.
Health ministry spokesperson Sharfat Zaman said all nearby hospitals were on high alert. “Health teams have arrived in the area, and the numbers of dead and injured may increase,” he stated.
The USGS issued an orange alert through its PAGER system, warning that “significant casualties are likely and the disaster is potentially widespread.”
Local officials confirmed that parts of the historic Blue Mosque in Mazar-e Sharif sustained damage. Videos circulating on social media showed rescuers pulling bodies from the rubble and buildings reduced to debris.
Afghanistan, located on two major fault lines, is prone to devastating earthquakes.