The death toll in Afghanistan earthquake surged to 20 on Monday. A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan overnight, killing at least 20 people and injuring more than 320 others, authorities said on Monday.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the quake hit at a depth of 28 kilometres, with its epicentre located near Mazar-i-Sharif, one of the country’s largest northern cities.
Residents rushed into the streets as buildings shook and homes cracked. The city’s historic Blue Mosque, a 15th-century architectural landmark, sustained visible damage, with parts of a minaret collapsing and debris scattered across the courtyard.
Rescue Teams Deployed as Power Disruptions Reported
The Taliban Defence Ministry reported that Balkh and Samangan provinces were the most affected. Military rescue teams arrived promptly, providing emergency aid, transporting the injured, and assisting displaced families. Meanwhile, the DABS power company confirmed that imported electricity lines from Uzbekistan were cut off, leaving parts of nine provinces without power, according to Tolo News.
The USGS issued an orange alert under its PAGER system, warning of potentially significant casualties and widespread destruction. Videos circulating on social media showed rescue operations and collapsed buildings, though their authenticity could not be verified independently.
Afghanistan’s Vulnerability to Earthquakes
Earthquakes are frequent in Afghanistan due to its location near the Hindu Kush mountain range, where the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates collide. Many homes, particularly in rural areas, are poorly constructed, making them highly vulnerable to tremors.
The disaster adds to a series of deadly quakes that have struck the country since the Taliban takeover in 2021. In August, a 6.0-magnitude quake in eastern Afghanistan killed more than 2,200 people, while earlier tremors in Herat and Nangarhar caused widespread devastation.
