A 6.3-magnitude earthquake near Mazar-e Sharif kills seven and injures 150 as rescuers search through rubble in northern Afghanistan.
6.3-Magnitude Quake Kills Seven in Northern Afghanistan
Powerful Tremor Strikes Before Dawn
A deadly 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck near the northern Afghan city of Mazar-e Sharif early Monday, killing at least seven people and injuring about 150 others, provincial officials said. The quake rattled residents awake and caused widespread panic across Balkh and Samangan provinces.
Epicentre and Depth Confirmed
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake hit at a depth of 28 kilometres, roughly near Mazar-e Sharif, a city with a population of more than 523,000. The tremor was strong enough to damage homes, public buildings, and infrastructure across the mountainous region.
Casualties and Hospital Reports
According to Samim Joyanda, spokesperson for Samangan’s health department, hospital data confirmed that “a total of 150 people injured and seven martyred have been reported and transferred to health centres as of this morning.” Emergency teams continued to assess damage through the day, with the toll expected to rise.
Historic Shrine Among Damaged Sites
Part of the Blue Mosque, the revered holy shrine in Mazar-e Sharif, was destroyed, said Haji Zaid, spokesperson for Balkh province. The shrine is a key religious landmark and cultural heritage site, making its damage a symbolic loss for the region.
Widespread Damage and Online Footage
Social media footage shared on the platform X showed rescuers pulling people from collapsed buildings and searching through piles of debris. While Reuters could not independently verify the images, the scenes reflected growing fears that many may still be trapped under rubble.
Risk Level and Geological Context
The USGS PAGER system issued an orange alert, warning that significant casualties were likely and that the disaster could be widespread. Afghanistan sits on two active seismic fault lines, making it highly prone to earthquakes. The region has suffered devastating tremors before — including a 2015 quake that killed hundreds and a 2023 event that claimed more than 1,000 lives.
Ongoing Rescue and Humanitarian Response
Afghanistan’s National Disaster Management Agency said reports on casualties and damage would be released as assessments continue. Local hospitals have appealed for medical supplies and emergency support as rescue teams work to reach remote villages cut off by landslides and collapsed roads.
