A magnitude 6.3 earthquake has struck northern Afghanistan, killing at least 20 people and injuring more than 320 others near the city of Mazar-i-Sharif. The Taliban Ministry of Public Health confirmed the figures early Monday, warning that the death toll could rise as rescue efforts continue.
The United States Geological Survey said the quake occurred just before 1 a.m. local time at a depth of 28 kilometres, issuing an orange alert for significant casualties and widespread damage. Witnesses in Mazar-i-Sharif said many residents ran into the streets as buildings shook violently.
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Local officials confirmed that part of the historic Blue Mosque in Balkh Province was destroyed. Afghanistan’s disaster management agency said further updates on casualties and property loss would follow as assessments continue.
The country has suffered several major earthquakes since 2021, including one in August that killed more than 2,000 people. Experts say Afghanistan’s poor infrastructure and limited emergency response make it especially vulnerable to natural disasters.
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