Afghanistan has been struck by a powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake, raising fears of mass deaths

A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan early Monday morning local time, according to the US Geological Survey and local authorities, raising fears of large casualties and the need for a response.

The National Disaster Management Authority of Afghanistan said in a statement: “Based on preliminary information, the magnitude of the earthquake reached more than 6 degrees, and its epicenter was in the Nakhshir district of Samangan province.”

As of early morning, at least 150 people were injured and seven people were killed in the quake, Samin Goinda, spokesman for the North Samangan Province Health Department, told CBS News.

Guenda said the death toll may rise as search and rescue operations continue.

Meanwhile, Haji Zahid, spokesman for Balkh Province, also to the north, shared a video on X showing people digging with shovels to rescue any survivors.

“In the Sholgara district of Balkh, we suffered financial losses. Many people were injured and four people were confirmed dead,” he wrote.

The US Geological Survey said the quake had a magnitude of 6.3 and a depth of 28 kilometers (about 17 miles) and described the quake as a “code orange,” indicating significant casualties and potential widespread economic losses, requiring a nationwide response, the US Geological Survey said.

Map showing the earthquake that struck Afghanistan on November 2, 2025. US Geological Survey

Videos posted show that the tremor lasted for about 20 seconds, and the earthquake was so strong that people felt it in the capital, Kabul, and other provinces.

The earthquake also caused a landslide on the Samangan-Balkh highway, a major transportation route, trapping cars and passengers. Videos circulated on social media show huge boulders blocking the highway and a truck on fire.

Monday's earthquake was the latest in the region. More than 2,000 people were killed when an earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan in August. Most of those affected are still living in tents, according to a recent United Nations report.

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