A Powerful Jolt in Northern Afghanistan
A magnitude 6.3 Afghanistan earthquake struck near the city of Mazar-i-Sharif early Monday, shaking residents awake and triggering waves of fear across the north. The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the quake’s depth at 28 kilometers (17 miles), making it strong enough to be felt hundreds of kilometers away in Kabul.
Although there were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage, the tremor left many on edge, especially in a nation already struggling through humanitarian and economic turmoil.
Residents Rush into the Streets
Moments after the quake hit, terrified residents of Mazar-i-Sharif rushed outside their homes, fearing collapsing walls and aftershocks. An AFP correspondent on the ground reported people standing in the cold, holding their children and praying for safety.
Even in Kabul—roughly 420 kilometers (260 miles) to the south—the shaking was strong enough to wake many. For a country so familiar with disaster, the tension was palpable.
A Nation Still Healing from Past Quakes
This latest tremor adds to Afghanistan’s long list of devastating natural disasters. Just months ago, a shallow 6.0-magnitude quake in the eastern region flattened mountainside villages, killing over 2,200 people.
Since the Taliban assumed power in 2021, the country has endured three major deadly earthquakes, each further exposing its fragile infrastructure and strained emergency systems. While local authorities try to respond quickly, poor communication networks and rugged terrain often delay help for hours—or even days.
Challenges in a Time of Crisis
Afghanistan’s earthquake-prone landscape sits on the collision point of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates, making tremors a recurring threat. The rural regions, where homes are often built with mud and stone, are especially vulnerable.
Yet the challenges go far beyond geology. The United Nations and aid organizations have repeatedly warned that hunger and poverty are worsening. Ongoing drought, financial sanctions, and the return of millions of Afghan migrants from Iran and Pakistan have intensified the crisis.
Even before this quake, millions were already facing food insecurity, unemployment, and limited access to healthcare. Now, as emergency teams try to assess damage, they must also navigate crumbling roads and isolated mountain paths.
A Test for the Taliban Government
The Taliban government faces another test of leadership and coordination. With international aid drastically reduced since 2021, the administration struggles to provide relief and rebuild affected communities.
Despite the odds, local responders and volunteers continue to assist those in remote villages, determined to reach survivors and assess the damage before conditions worsen.
As one aid worker put it, “Every tremor reminds us how fragile life here has become—but also how resilient Afghans remain.”
Looking Ahead
While full reports are still emerging, early signs suggest the quake spared major cities from severe destruction. Still, experts warn that even moderate quakes can cause serious damage in rural areas, especially where infrastructure is weak.
The focus now shifts to recovery—repairing homes, restoring communication, and ensuring families have food and shelter before winter deepens.
A Country That Keeps Enduring
From Herat to Nangarhar, Afghanistan’s people have faced more than their share of hardships. Yet, every time the ground shakes, communities come together—helping one another rebuild, even when resources are scarce.
The 6.3-magnitude quake serves as another reminder of the nation’s resilience amid relentless challenges, from nature and beyond.
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