Post by : Rameen Ariff

A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan early Monday, leaving at least 10 people dead and more than 260 injured. The tremor, centered near Mazar-e-Sharif in Balkh province, caused widespread panic and damage in an area already vulnerable to frequent seismic activity.

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at a depth of 28 kilometers (17.4 miles) near Mazar-e-Sharif, a city home to more than half a million residents. Tremors were felt across surrounding provinces, including Samangan, one of the worst-affected regions.

Samim Joyanda, spokesperson for the health department in Samangan, confirmed the initial casualties, noting that the toll was based on hospital reports as of Monday morning. “So far, 150 people have been injured and seven have been martyred. The number may increase as rescue efforts continue,” he said.

The Taliban’s defense ministry reported that several districts in Balkh and Samangan suffered severe damage, with many residents trapped under collapsed buildings. Military rescue teams, supported by local volunteers, were immediately deployed to assist victims and transport the injured to nearby hospitals.

Health ministry spokesperson Sharfat Zaman said all regional hospitals were placed on high alert. “Medical and rescue teams have reached the area, and emergency services are working around the clock. The numbers of casualties may rise as search operations progress,” he stated.

The USGS issued an orange alert for the region under its PAGER system, warning of potentially significant casualties and widespread destruction. The alert noted that previous earthquakes of similar magnitude in the area had required national-level emergency responses.

Afghanistan lies on the convergence of two major tectonic plates, making it highly prone to earthquakes. The country has suffered multiple devastating quakes in recent years, including one in August that killed more than 2,200 people in the southeast.

Balkh province spokesperson Haji Zaid confirmed that parts of the historic Blue Mosque (Shrine of Ali) in Mazar-e-Sharif were damaged during the quake. Videos circulating on social media showed rescuers pulling victims from the debris and buildings reduced to rubble.

Authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage as aftershocks are expected in the coming days. Humanitarian agencies have been alerted to provide medical aid, shelter, and food supplies to those affected.

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