Powerful Quake Devastates Northern Afghanistan
A strong 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck near Afghanistan’s northern city of Mazar-e Sharif early Monday, leaving at least 20 people dead and more than 300 injured, according to Afghan officials. The quake also caused serious damage to the city’s historic Blue Mosque, one of the country’s most revered religious landmarks.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the tremor hit at a depth of 28 kilometers (17.4 miles) near Mazar-e Sharif, a city with a population of over 520,000 residents. The affected provinces — Balkh and Samangan — have reported widespread structural damage and disruptions to essential services.
Authorities fear the death toll may rise as rescue teams struggle to reach remote villages in the mountainous region. Several homes and buildings have collapsed, trapping residents under rubble. Emergency responders and local volunteers are continuing search and rescue efforts despite limited resources.
Hospitals on Alert as Rescue Operations Continue
Health Ministry spokesperson Sharfat Zaman confirmed that hospitals across northern Afghanistan have been placed on emergency standby. Medical teams have been dispatched to the worst-hit districts to provide first aid and critical care.
“Rescue and health teams have reached the affected areas,” a senior health official said, noting that many injured victims were transported to hospitals in Mazar-e Sharif and nearby districts. Temporary shelters have been set up for families who lost their homes.
Videos circulating on social media show rescuers digging through debris to pull survivors and bodies from the wreckage. The authenticity of some clips could not be independently verified, but they reveal the extent of devastation in rural areas.
Power outages have been reported across several northern provinces, including Kabul, after the quake disrupted national transmission lines, said Da Afghanistan Breshna Company, the country’s main power supplier.
Historic Blue Mosque Among Structures Damaged
The quake caused significant structural damage to the Blue Mosque, also known as the Shrine of Hazrat Ali, located in the heart of Mazar-e Sharif. Local officials said cracks appeared in the outer walls and several decorative tiles fell from the dome.
The mosque, built in the 15th century, is believed to house the tomb of Hazrat Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad. It serves as one of Afghanistan’s most sacred religious sites and a major center of pilgrimage.
Provincial authorities have cordoned off the area to prevent further injury and are assessing the extent of the damage. Restoration experts from the Ministry of Information and Culture are expected to assist in structural safety evaluations in the coming days.
Afghanistan’s Quake-Prone Geography Raises Concerns
Afghanistan lies on two active tectonic fault lines, making it one of the most earthquake-prone regions in Asia. The USGS noted that “significant casualties are likely, and the disaster may be widespread,” based on the quake’s magnitude and shallow depth.
In August 2024, a devastating earthquake in southeastern Afghanistan killed over 2,200 people and destroyed thousands of homes. Repeated quakes have left many Afghan communities structurally vulnerable, particularly amid economic hardship and limited access to modern construction materials.
The latest disaster compounds existing crises for the Taliban administration, which is already facing foreign aid cuts, mass refugee deportations, and widespread food insecurity. The government has appealed for international humanitarian assistance to aid rescue and recovery operations.
Humanitarian agencies have warned that continued instability and inadequate infrastructure make Afghanistan particularly vulnerable to natural disasters. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is reportedly monitoring the situation and coordinating with local partners for rapid response efforts.
Future Risks and Relief Measures
Experts caution that aftershocks may occur in the coming days. Residents in the affected areas have been urged to stay in open spaces and avoid re-entering damaged structures.
Authorities in Balkh province have begun assessing damage to public infrastructure, including schools, mosques, and healthcare centers. The Afghan Red Crescent Society has mobilized emergency supplies such as tents, blankets, and medical kits.
This latest earthquake underscores Afghanistan’s urgent need for disaster preparedness programs and stronger building codes. With much of the country’s infrastructure weakened by decades of conflict, reconstruction efforts are likely to be slow without international support.