A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan early Monday, killing at least 20 people and injuring hundreds more near the historic city of Mazar-e-Sharif, authorities confirmed.
The tremor, which hit at a depth of 28 kilometres, shook the city and surrounding districts, causing widespread panic and destruction. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake’s epicentre was close to Mazar-e-Sharif, a city known for its religious landmarks and ancient Blue Mosque.
Survivors described the terrifying moments as homes collapsed and dust filled the air. Mohammad Rahim, a resident of Tashqurghan district, said, “The earth shook violently for around 15 seconds. When we got outside, there was so much dust that we couldn’t see anything.”
Rahim said his mother and brother were trapped beneath rubble before being pulled out alive by neighbours and emergency teams.
According to the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA), 20 people have been confirmed dead while at least 643 others were injured, including 25 in critical condition. Officials warned that the death toll could rise as rescue operations continue.
Health Ministry spokesperson Sharfat Zaman said rescue and medical teams had been deployed to the affected areas. “All nearby hospitals have been placed on standby to treat the injured,” he added.
Footage released by the Afghan Defence Ministry showed soldiers digging through debris and recovering bodies, including that of a young girl. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said its teams were assisting with rescue efforts and providing emergency support.
India also announced that it would send humanitarian aid, including medicines and relief materials, as part of its ongoing engagement with the Taliban government.
Provincial spokesperson Haji Zaid confirmed that the Blue Mosque, one of Afghanistan’s most revered sites believed to house the tomb of Ali ibn Abi Talib, sustained visible damage. Videos verified by Reuters showed cracked walls, shattered tiles, and fallen masonry in the mosque’s courtyard, although its main dome remained intact.
The quake also disrupted electricity across several provinces, including Kabul, according to Da Afghanistan Breshna Company, the national power supplier.
Humanitarian groups, including Save the Children, warned that the disaster could worsen Afghanistan’s ongoing humanitarian crisis as winter approaches. “Thousands of children in earthquake-hit regions are already living in tents with no protection from rain and snow,” said Samira Sayed Rahman, the group’s advocacy director. “Now families in the north face new fear and uncertainty after this latest powerful quake.”
Afghanistan lies along several active fault lines and frequently experiences deadly earthquakes. In August, tremors in the eastern provinces killed over 2,200 people and left thousands injured.
The government continues to appeal for international assistance as the nation battles overlapping crises, including food shortages, refugee deportations, and the sharp decline in foreign aid.