A powerful earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale struck northern Afghanistan overnight, killing at least 20 people and injuring more than 300, officials confirmed on Monday.
The tremor, which struck shortly before 1am local time, caused widespread damage in the provinces of Balkh and Samangan, where most of the casualties were recorded. Sharafat Zaman, a spokesperson for the health ministry, said in a video message that the preliminary toll stood at 20 dead and around 320 injured.
The United States Geological Survey reported that the quake’s epicentre was located 22 kilometres west-southwest of Khulm, at a depth of 28 kilometres. The tremor was felt across several provinces, including the capital, Kabul.
In Kabul, the ministry of defence announced that rescue and emergency teams had been deployed to the affected areas. Officials said operations were under way to transport the injured to hospitals and to provide assistance to families whose homes had been damaged or destroyed.
Yousaf Hammad, a spokesperson for Afghanistan’s disaster management agency, said that many of the injured had suffered only minor wounds and were discharged after receiving initial treatment. However, hospitals in Balkh and Samangan continued to treat dozens of patients with more serious injuries.
The earthquake also caused temporary disruption to transport links. The defence ministry reported that falling rocks blocked a section of the main highway connecting Kabul to Mazar-i-Sharif. The road was later cleared, but several people injured along the route had to be rescued and taken to hospital.
Damage to Historic Mosque
Among the most visible damage was to the Blue Mosque of Mazar-i-Sharif, a 15th‑century religious landmark renowned for its intricate blue tiles and considered one of Afghanistan’s most important cultural sites. Footage shared on social media showed pieces of the mosque’s ornate structure, including parts of a minaret, lying on the ground.
An AFP journalist at the scene confirmed that sections of the building had been damaged. The mosque, which is both a place of worship and a major tourist attraction, is a central gathering point during Islamic and cultural festivals.
Vulnerability to Natural Disasters
Afghanistan has been struck by a series of devastating earthquakes in recent years. The country’s vulnerability is compounded by its geography and the poor quality of much of its housing stock. Buildings are typically low‑rise and constructed from concrete, brick, or mud, with many rural homes made from mud bricks and timber. These structures are often unable to withstand strong tremors.
The latest disaster comes just months after a magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan near the border with Pakistan on 31 August, killing more than 2,200 people. In October 2023, another 6.3 magnitude quake, followed by strong aftershocks, left at least 4,000 people dead, according to figures released by the Taliban authorities.
The repeated earthquakes have highlighted the country’s limited capacity to respond to natural disasters. Years of conflict, economic hardship, and international isolation have left Afghanistan with fragile infrastructure and few resources for emergency relief. Remote areas, in particular, often struggle to receive timely assistance.
Humanitarian Concerns
Aid agencies have expressed concern that the latest earthquake will add to the difficulties faced by communities already struggling with poverty and food insecurity. Northern Afghanistan, though less affected by conflict than other regions, remains economically fragile.
The government has appealed for calm and assured residents that emergency teams are working to provide relief. However, the scale of the damage is still being assessed, and officials have warned that casualty figures may rise as rescue operations continue.
For the people of Balkh and Samangan, the tremor has brought fresh grief and uncertainty. As families bury their dead and tend to the injured, the damage to the Blue Mosque has also struck a symbolic blow, undermining one of the country’s most cherished cultural treasures.
