Powerful Earthquake Strikes Northern Afghanistan, Killing at Least 10 and Injuring Hundreds

Post by : Saif Nasser

A strong 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit northern Afghanistan early Monday, killing at least 10 people and injuring more than 260 others. The quake struck near the city of Mazar-e-Sharif, a major urban center with more than half a million residents.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred about 28 kilometers below the surface. The tremor shook homes, damaged buildings, and caused widespread fear among people in the region. Local authorities warned that the number of deaths could rise as rescue work continued through the day.

Officials in Samangan province, one of the worst-hit areas, said hospitals were receiving many injured people. Samim Joyanda, the spokesperson for the province’s health department, said that seven people had died and more than 150 were hurt by early morning. “Many injured have been moved to nearby hospitals for treatment,” he said.

The Afghan Taliban’s Ministry of Defense reported that the provinces of Balkh and Samangan faced heavy damage. Teams from the military and emergency services were quickly sent to the area to search for survivors trapped under the rubble. Helicopters and ambulances were used to move people to safer places.

Health ministry spokesperson Sharfat Zaman said all hospitals in the region were on high alert. “Medical teams have reached the affected areas. We are ready to handle more patients as the rescue operation continues,” he said.

The USGS issued an orange alert, which means the earthquake could cause significant damage and many casualties. The alert also warned that the disaster’s effects could be widespread. Past earthquakes of similar strength in the region have required national-level emergency responses.

Afghanistan is known for its high earthquake risk because it lies on two major fault lines. These faults make the country prone to frequent and sometimes deadly quakes. In August, another powerful earthquake in southeastern Afghanistan killed more than 2,200 people and injured thousands.

This latest quake destroyed part of the famous Blue Mosque, also known as the Shrine of Ali, in Mazar-e-Sharif. The mosque is one of Afghanistan’s most important religious and historical landmarks. Balkh province spokesperson Haji Zaid confirmed that parts of the shrine had collapsed during the quake.

Videos and pictures shared on social media showed rescuers digging through debris with their hands and using basic tools to save people trapped beneath broken walls. In one clip, several rescuers were seen pulling bodies from the rubble while others called for silence to listen for survivors’ voices.

The full scale of damage remains unclear, as communication lines in remote areas are weak. However, early reports suggest that hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed. Many families are now without shelter as temperatures drop in the northern region.

International aid agencies have not yet released detailed statements, but rescue workers from the Afghan Red Crescent are already on the ground providing help. They are giving food, blankets, and medical supplies to the affected families.

This tragedy adds to the suffering of ordinary Afghans who are already struggling with poverty, a weak economy, and limited health services. The country’s infrastructure remains fragile after years of war and natural disasters. Many rural communities depend on simple homes made of mud and brick, which are especially vulnerable during earthquakes.

Experts say Afghanistan urgently needs better earthquake preparedness, including stronger buildings and faster response systems. However, ongoing political instability and limited resources have made it difficult for the government to make such improvements.

As rescue teams continue to search for survivors, families are waiting anxiously for news of their loved ones. For many in northern Afghanistan, the quake is a painful reminder of how quickly life can change in a country that has already endured so much tragedy.