Deadly Quake Strikes Northern Afghanistan: At Least 20 Killed, Historic Blue Mosque Damaged

KABUL, Afghanistan (Reuters): A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan early Monday near the major city of Mazar-e Sharif, killing at least 20 people and injuring hundreds, officials confirmed. Authorities have warned that the death toll is likely to climb as rescue teams struggle to reach remote villages.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake hit at a shallow depth of 28 km (17.4 miles) near Mazar-e Sharif, the capital of Balkh province, which has a population of over half a million.

Rescue Efforts Underway Amid Rising Casualties

Health Ministry spokesperson Sharfat Zaman confirmed that at least 20 people were killed and around 320 were injured. The worst-hit provinces are reported to be Balkh and Samangan.

"Our rescue and health teams have arrived in the area, and all nearby hospitals have been put on standby by the leadership to treat the injured," Zaman said.

Videos circulating on social media showed emergency responders frantically searching through rubble for survivors, with several bodies pulled from collapsed structures.

Damage to Holiest Shrine and Power Disruption

The earthquake caused damage to part of the Blue Mosque, the most important shrine in Mazar-e Sharif. Balkh province spokesperson Haji Zaid confirmed the damage to the 15th-century structure, considered one of the holiest sites in the country. Verified social media footage showed broken masonry and tiles scattered across the courtyard, though the main structure remained standing.

In addition to the physical damage, the national power supplier, Da Afghanistan Breshna Company, stated that the earthquake disrupted power across the country, including in the capital, Kabul.

Latest Challenge for Taliban Administration

The disaster represents the latest major crisis for Afghanistan's Taliban administration, which is already managing the aftermath of another devastating quake in August that killed thousands, alongside severe cuts to foreign aid and mass refugee deportations.

The USGS issued an Orange Alert, warning that "significant casualties are likely and the disaster is potentially widespread," underscoring Afghanistan's high vulnerability as the country sits on two active seismic fault lines.