A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan early Monday, killing at least 10 people and injuring over 260, with rescue efforts ongoing amid fears the toll may rise.
Early Morning Tremor Near Mazar-i-Sharif
At approximately 1:00 AM local time on 3 November 2025, a 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit northern Afghanistan, with its epicenter near Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of Balkh province. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the quake struck at a depth of 28 kilometers (17 miles), triggering widespread panic as residents fled collapsing buildings.
Casualties and Damage
Initial reports from the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority and local health officials indicate at least 10 fatalities and over 260 injuries, many of them caused by falling debris and structural collapses. The Samangan and Kholm districts were among the hardest hit, with Hurriyat Radio Pashto reporting 20 deaths in Samangan and 19 in Kholm, though these figures remain unverified.
Hospitals in Mazar-i-Sharif and surrounding areas are overwhelmed, with emergency teams working to treat the injured and locate survivors. The government has deployed additional medical personnel and search-and-rescue units to the affected zones.
Regional Vulnerability and Recent History
This earthquake comes just two months after a devastating tremor in eastern Afghanistan killed more than 2,200 people, underscoring the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity. Afghanistan sits on a major fault line between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it prone to frequent and destructive quakes.
International Response and Outlook
The USGS issued an orange alert for potential widespread casualties and damage. Humanitarian organizations including the Red Crescent and Médecins Sans Frontières have mobilized to provide aid. The Taliban-led government has called for international assistance and pledged to support recovery efforts.
As aftershocks continue, authorities warn residents to remain cautious and avoid unstable structures. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, and the death toll may rise as rescue operations progress.
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