A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck near the northern Afghan city of Mazar-i-Sharif early Monday, leaving at least 10 people dead and around 260 injured. Authorities fear the death toll could rise as rescue operations continue in the quake-hit regions of Balkh and Samangan provinces.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake struck at a depth of 28 kilometers near Mazar-i-Sharif, a city of over half a million residents. Afghan officials confirmed that rescue teams and emergency services were immediately deployed to assist the victims, transport the injured, and provide relief to affected families.
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“The situation remains critical. Health teams are on-site, and all nearby hospitals are on standby,” said Health Ministry spokesperson Sharfat Zaman. Samim Joyanda, spokesperson for the Samangan Health Department, confirmed that dozens of people were rushed to medical centers as rescuers continue to pull survivors from the debris.
The USGS issued an orange alert for the region, warning that significant casualties and widespread damage are likely. Afghanistan, located along two major active fault lines, is highly prone to devastating earthquakes. Just two months ago, a powerful tremor in the southeast killed over 2,200 people and displaced thousands.
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Reports also indicate that part of the historic Blue Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif was damaged by the quake. Videos circulating on social media showed rescuers digging through rubble and pulling out victims, though their authenticity has yet to be verified.