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 earthquake occurred at 12:59 am local time, about 14 miles west-southwest of Khulm. The US Geological Survey has issued a warning indicating the likelihood of significant casualties and widespread disaster due to the tremor striking at a depth of 28 kilometers (17 miles).
Sharafat Zaman, a Ministry of Public Health spokesperson, confirmed the death toll of 20 individuals with 320 others sustaining injuries. Most of the injured individuals had minor wounds and were discharged after receiving medical attention.
Rescue operations have been initiated in the affected areas, particularly in the Balkh and Samangan provinces, believed to have suffered severe damage. Emergency teams are actively assisting the injured in relocating, and affected households are receiving essential aid.
Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban government’s chief spokesperson, reported that the earthquake impacted the Balkh, Samangan, and Baghlan regions. The government has dispatched crews to offer assistance to those in need.
One of the notable structures damaged by the earthquake is Afghanistan’s historic Blue Mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif. Online footage displayed fallen bricks from its walls, while the overall structure remained intact.
The Afghanistan Defense Ministry reported a rockslide blocking a mountain highway connecting Kabul to Mazar-e-Sharif temporarily. However, the road was later cleared for traffic. Injured individuals trapped along the highway were rescued and taken to hospitals for treatment.
This disaster follows a recent earthquake in eastern Afghanistan. UN teams provided urgent aid to affected communities on the ground and affirmed their commitment to offering necessary support.