A powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Mazar-e-Sharif in northern Afghanistan early Monday, killing at least 10 people and injuring around 260 others. Officials warned that the death toll may rise as rescue operations continue.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at a depth of 28 kilometers. Mazar-e-Sharif, with a population of over 500,000, lies close to the epicenter.
Samim Jowenda, spokesperson for the Samangan provincial health department, said that initial hospital reports confirmed seven deaths and over 150 injuries, with victims being shifted to various medical facilities.
The Taliban’s Ministry of Defense stated that several districts in Balkh and Samangan provinces were heavily affected. Military rescue teams and emergency units have been deployed to recover victims from the rubble, provide first aid, and assist displaced families.
Health ministry spokesman Sharafat Zaman said all nearby hospitals were on high alert, warning that casualties could increase further.
The USGS issued an “orange alert,” indicating a high likelihood of significant casualties and damage. Such quakes typically trigger national- or regional-level emergency responses.
According to Balkh provincial spokesman Haji Zaid, part of the historic Blue Mosque (Rawza-e-Sharif) in Mazar-e-Sharif collapsed during the tremor. Videos circulating on social media show rescuers pulling bodies and injured people from debris, though their authenticity could not be independently verified.
