Deadly Earthquake Rocks Northern Afghanistan, Killing at Least 20 and Injuring Hundreds
At least 20 people have been confirmed dead and more than 500 injured after a powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan early Monday morning, according to local authorities. Officials fear the death toll could rise significantly as search and rescue operations continue in the affected regions.
The tremor hit near the city of Mazar-e-Sharif, one of Afghanistan’s largest urban centers and home to roughly half a million residents, at approximately 1:00 a.m. local time (20:30 GMT on Sunday). The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake’s depth at 28 kilometers (17 miles) and classified it under the orange alert level, indicating a likelihood of “significant casualties and widespread damage.”
Panic and Destruction in Mazar-e-Sharif
Moments after the quake struck, terrified residents fled their homes, fearing their buildings would collapse. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes in the dark streets as aftershocks rippled through the area. The AFP news agency reported that families gathered in open spaces, wrapped in blankets to stay warm as they waited for daylight.
A local official from the Taliban-run provincial administration in Balkh confirmed that the district of Sholgara, located south of Mazar-e-Sharif, suffered the worst damage. “Many people are injured,” said Haji Zaid, a Taliban spokesman for Balkh province. “We have received reports of both minor and serious injuries from several districts. Most of the injuries occurred when people jumped from tall buildings in panic.”
While some areas experienced only superficial damage, other neighborhoods reported collapsed homes, cracked walls, and damaged shops. The full extent of the destruction remains unclear, as emergency teams struggle to reach remote mountain villages where communication lines are poor.
Power Outages Across the Country
The earthquake also triggered widespread power outages across Afghanistan, including in the capital Kabul, more than 300 kilometers away. Energy officials said that electricity transmission lines from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan—key suppliers of power to Afghanistan—were damaged during the tremor.
Authorities are working to restore the power grid, but the outages have hampered rescue efforts, as emergency responders and hospitals struggle with limited electricity and communication systems.
Videos posted on social media by Taliban officials showed debris scattered across the grounds of Mazar-e-Sharif’s historic Blue Mosque, one of the most revered religious sites in Afghanistan. The 15th-century shrine, known for its iconic blue-tiled domes, is believed to house the tomb of Imam Ali, the son-in-law and cousin of the Prophet Muhammad, making it a major pilgrimage destination for Shia Muslims.
Government Response and Rescue Efforts
Khalid Zadran, a Taliban spokesperson for Kabul’s police department, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that the government is “closely monitoring the situation” and coordinating with local authorities to assess damage and assist victims.
Emergency teams, including local police, health workers, and Red Crescent volunteers, have been dispatched to the quake-hit districts. However, poor infrastructure and limited access to heavy machinery have slowed down rescue operations, especially in mountainous regions like Samangan province, where fatalities have also been reported.
Health officials confirmed that over 530 people have been treated for injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and fractures caused by falling debris. Hospitals in Mazar-e-Sharif have issued urgent calls for blood donations, as medical supplies are running low.
Recurring Tragedy for an Earthquake-Prone Nation
This latest earthquake follows a series of devastating tremors that have struck Afghanistan in recent years. Just two months earlier, in August 2025, a 6.0-magnitude earthquake killed more than 1,100 people in the country’s eastern mountainous region. That disaster was particularly deadly because most homes were built with mud and timber, structures highly vulnerable to collapse.
Afghanistan sits at the collision zone of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it one of the most earthquake-prone countries in Asia. The region frequently experiences moderate to strong quakes, though the impact is often severe due to poor infrastructure and the lack of earthquake-resistant buildings.
The World Bank and United Nations have repeatedly warned that Afghanistan’s weak construction standards, combined with decades of conflict and poverty, make it extremely difficult for the country to recover from natural disasters.
Afghanistan’s Fragile Infrastructure Exposed Again
Following decades of war and economic hardship, Afghanistan’s emergency response system remains severely underfunded and under-equipped. Many rural areas lack paved roads, making it nearly impossible for heavy rescue vehicles to reach the worst-hit communities quickly.
“Entire villages could be cut off for days,” one humanitarian aid worker in Balkh province told local media. “We are relying on local volunteers using basic tools to dig survivors out from the rubble.”
The Taliban government has called on international humanitarian organizations to provide assistance, including medical aid, tents, and emergency supplies. However, global relief efforts are often complicated by political tensions and restrictions on foreign aid groups operating in Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover in 2021.
Damage to Religious and Cultural Sites
One of the most visible symbols of the quake’s impact is the Blue Mosque, or Shrine of Hazrat Ali, located at the heart of Mazar-e-Sharif. Videos posted online show cracked tiles and debris scattered around the mosque’s courtyard, though local officials say the structure’s main walls remain intact.
Built in the 15th century, the mosque is not only a spiritual landmark but also a tourist attraction that draws thousands of pilgrims every year, especially during the Nowruz (Persian New Year) celebrations. Its damage has deeply saddened residents, many of whom consider it a symbol of resilience and faith.
Residents Recall the Terrifying Moment
Survivors described the earthquake as one of the strongest in recent memory. “The ground was shaking so violently that I thought the world was ending,” said Abdul Qadir, a shopkeeper in Mazar-e-Sharif. “People ran out barefoot into the streets. I could hear children screaming everywhere.”
Another resident, Fatima Bibi, said her family’s home was partially destroyed. “We were sleeping when everything started shaking. The walls cracked, and we had to run outside. We are now staying in a tent because we are too scared to go back inside.”
The sense of fear remains strong, with aftershocks continuing to rattle the area throughout Monday morning. Many families have set up makeshift shelters in open fields, worried that their damaged homes could collapse.
International Community Expresses Concern
As news of the disaster spread, several international organizations, including the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), said they were monitoring the situation closely and preparing to send emergency aid if requested.
Neighboring countries such as Pakistan and Iran, both of which have previously provided disaster relief to Afghanistan, have also expressed condolences and offered assistance.
However, experts warn that delivering aid will be a major challenge due to the country’s isolation, damaged roads, and limited airport capacity in northern provinces.
A Nation in Need of Long-Term Support
The earthquake has once again exposed Afghanistan’s deep vulnerability to natural disasters. Analysts stress the urgent need for investment in resilient infrastructure, better early-warning systems, and emergency preparedness training for local communities.
“Every year, we see the same tragedy repeat itself,” said Dr. Farid Ahmad, a Kabul-based geologist. “Afghanistan’s location means earthquakes will keep happening. The only solution is to build stronger homes and improve emergency response.”
But with the country’s economy in crisis and international aid sharply reduced, meaningful progress remains uncertain. For now, the focus remains on saving lives and caring for the injured.
Looking Ahead
As rescue efforts intensify in Mazar-e-Sharif and nearby provinces, authorities fear that the final death toll could climb in the coming days. With hundreds already displaced and infrastructure heavily damaged, Afghanistan faces yet another humanitarian crisis on top of ongoing economic and political turmoil.
For the survivors, the night of November’s earthquake will be remembered as one of terror, loss, and uncertainty — but also a reminder of the country’s enduring resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship.