In a devastating event, more than 20 people have lost their lives following a powerful earthquake that hit northern Afghanistan, according to reports from local authorities. As rescue efforts continue, officials anticipate that the casualty figures may rise significantly. Hundreds of individuals have also sustained injuries, highlighting the severe impact of this natural disaster.
The earthquake occurred near Mazar-e-Sharif, one of Afghanistan's largest cities, which is home to approximately 500,000 residents. It struck at around 01:00 local time on Monday, equivalent to 20:30 GMT on Sunday. The US Geological Survey recorded the earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 and a depth of 28 km (17 miles). This seismic event was categorized at the orange alert level, indicating that significant casualties were likely.
Haji Zaid, a spokesman for the Taliban in Balkh province, shared on social media platform X that many injuries were reported in the Sholgara district, located south of Mazar-e-Sharif. He noted that they had received information about minor injuries and superficial damages across various districts within the province. Most of the injuries were attributed to individuals falling from tall buildings as residents fled into the streets, fearing their homes would collapse, as reported by the AFP news agency.
The earthquake also caused widespread power outages throughout the country, including the capital city, Kabul. This disruption occurred after electricity lines from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, which are major suppliers of power to Afghanistan, were damaged during the quake. The Taliban spokesman in Balkh shared a video on X that seemed to show debris scattered around the Blue Mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif, a significant site for Shia Muslims. This mosque, constructed in the 15th century, is believed to house the tomb of the first Shia Imam, a revered figure in the Islamic faith.
Khalid Zadran, a Taliban spokesman for the police in Kabul, stated on X that law enforcement is closely monitoring the situation as rescue operations unfold. Additional fatalities have been reported in Samangan, a mountainous province near Mazar-e-Sharif, according to local officials. This recent earthquake follows a previous 6.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Afghanistan's mountainous eastern region in late August, resulting in the tragic loss of more than 1,100 lives. That quake was particularly deadly due to the rural construction methods, with many homes made of mud and timber, leading to significant casualties as structures collapsed.
Afghanistan's geographical location places it on multiple fault lines where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates converge, making it highly susceptible to earthquakes. The country's poor communication networks and inadequate infrastructure, including buildings that are not designed to withstand seismic activity, have consistently hindered effective rescue efforts following such disasters.