WEB DESK: A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck near the northern Afghan city of Mazar-e Sharif early Monday, leaving at least 20 people dead and around 320 injured, according to authorities. Officials fear the death toll could climb as rescue efforts continue.
The US Geological Survey reported that the quake occurred at a depth of 28 kilometers (17.4 miles) near Mazar-e Sharif, a city with a population of approximately 523,000.
The Afghan Taliban’s Ministry of Defense indicated that Balkh and Samangan provinces were hit hardest, resulting in multiple casualties. Emergency response and military rescue teams were immediately deployed to assist. Efforts are underway to rescue survivors, provide medical care to the injured, and support affected families, the ministry noted in a statement.
Officials cautioned that as rescue teams reach remote villages, particularly in the most severely impacted areas of Balkh and Samangan provinces, the fatalities and injuries may significantly increase.
Among the structures affected by the earthquake was the Blue Mosque, a landmark in Mazar-e Sharif. Haji Zaid, spokesperson for Balkh province, confirmed damage to this revered site. The mosque, regarded as one of Afghanistan’s most sacred shrines, is believed to house the tomb of the Prophet Mohammad’s cousin and son-in-law. The current structure dates back to the 15th century.
This disaster compounds ongoing challenges for the Taliban administration, which is already grappling with an array of crises. These include an earthquake in August that claimed thousands of lives, dwindling foreign aid, and mass deportations of Afghan refugees from neighboring countries.
The earthquake also disrupted power across parts of the country, including the capital Kabul, according to a statement from Da Afghanistan Breshna Company, the national power supplier.
The US Geological Survey warned that the earthquake is likely to have caused substantial casualties and widespread damage. Afghanistan’s susceptibility to earthquakes stems from its location on two active fault lines, which pose a persistent threat of severe ruptures and destruction.
