A 6.3 magnitude earthquake strikes northern Afghanistan, killing dozens

A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake shook northern Afghanistan early Monday, with its epicenter near the city of Mazar-i-Sharif, home to more than half a million people. The quake struck at a depth of 28 kilometers (17.4 miles), causing widespread structural damage, including the historic Blue Mosque, a 15th-century shrine considered one of the holiest sites in Afghanistan.

Authorities reported at least 20 people killed and hundreds injured, although officials warned that the number could rise as rescue teams reach remote areas in Balkh and Samangan provinces. This disaster adds to the ongoing humanitarian and infrastructure crises in Afghanistan, and comes just months after the August earthquake that killed more than 2,200 people and amid dwindling foreign aid to the Taliban administration.

Why does it matter?

Afghanistan lies on two major active fault lines, making it highly vulnerable to earthquakes. Past earthquakes in the country have killed thousands and caused severe damage to infrastructure. The northern regions are densely populated and ill-equipped to respond to disasters, exacerbating human and economic losses. The damage to the Blue Mosque also underscores the cultural and historical losses caused by such disasters.

The earthquake highlights the urgent need to strengthen disaster preparedness and early warning systems in Afghanistan, as well as international support for emergency relief efforts.

The Afghan authorities immediately mobilized rescue and health teams, and placed hospitals on standby to treat the wounded. Social media footage shows emergency responders searching through the rubble for survivors. Local and international humanitarian organizations are expected to coordinate relief operations to provide medical aid, shelter and supplies to affected communities.

USGS officials have warned that the disaster could have widespread consequences, and neighboring countries and international relief agencies are closely monitoring the situation to determine whether cross-border assistance is needed.

What's next

Rescue operations are still continuing, especially in the remote villages most affected by the earthquake. Authorities are assessing structural damage, including heritage sites such as the Blue Mosque. Power outages were reported across the region, including Kabul, complicating relief efforts.

Experts expect the number of casualties to continue to rise as teams reach isolated areas, and emergency management agencies are urging rapid international support to mitigate further loss of life. Reconstruction and disaster preparedness efforts are likely to remain a major challenge for Afghanistan in the coming months.

With information from Reuters.

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