A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake has resulted in the loss of at least 20 lives and left approximately 300 individuals injured in Afghanistan.
The seismic event occurred at 12:59 am local time, approximately 14 miles west-southwest of Khulm. The US Geological Survey has issued a warning indicating the likelihood of significant casualties and widespread devastation following the quake at a depth of 28 kilometers (17 miles).
Sharafat Zaman, a representative from the Ministry of Public Health, confirmed that 20 people have died, and 320 others have sustained injuries. Most of the injured individuals had minor wounds and were discharged from medical facilities after receiving treatment.
Rescue operations have been initiated in the affected areas, including Balkh and Samangan provinces, where substantial damage is reported. Emergency teams are actively assisting the injured in relocating, while affected households are receiving necessary aid.
Zabihullah Mujahid, the chief spokesperson for the Taliban government, stated that the earthquake impacted the Balkh, Samangan, and Baghlan regions. Government crews have been deployed to provide assistance to those in need.
Among the structures affected was Afghanistan’s historic Blue Mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif. Online footage revealed partial damage to the building, with several bricks falling from its walls, while the main structure remained intact.
The Afghanistan Defense Ministry reported a rockslide that temporarily blocked a mountain highway connecting Kabul to Mazar-e-Sharif. However, the road was later reopened, and individuals trapped along the route were rescued and transported to hospitals for treatment.
This disaster occurred shortly after a previous earthquake in eastern Afghanistan. Immediate aid was dispatched by UN teams on the ground to support the affected communities. The UN expressed solidarity with those impacted and pledged ongoing support.