KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — A powerful earthquake measuring 6.3 in magnitude struck northern Afghanistan early on Monday, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 individuals and injuries to approximately 260 others, according to Afghan health officials. The earthquake occurred at 12:59 a.m. local time, with its epicenter located 22 kilometers (14 miles) west-southwest of Khulm, Afghanistan, at a depth of 28 kilometers (17 miles), as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Sharafat Zaman, a spokesperson for the Afghan Ministry of Public Health, confirmed the casualty figures, specifying that while there were fatalities, many of the injured suffered only minor wounds and were treated on-site before being discharged. In the aftermath of the quake, Yousaf Hammad, a spokesman for Afghanistan's disaster management agency, reported that rescue and emergency aid teams have deployed to the most affected provinces of Balkh and Samangan, initiating rescue operations to transport the injured and assist families in distress.
The tremors were felt widely, including in Mazar-e-Sharif, the capital of the northern Balkh province. Social media footage revealed some damage to the historic Blue Mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif, where several bricks had fallen from the walls; however, the structure itself remained intact. This mosque is a significant cultural and religious site, revered throughout Afghanistan, and serves as a major gathering point during Islamic and cultural celebrations.
In addition to Mazar-e-Sharif, the quake was felt in Kabul and several other provinces. The Afghan Ministry of Defense noted that falling rocks from mountains temporarily obstructed a main highway connecting Kabul with Mazar-e-Sharif. Thankfully, the road was quickly reopened, and emergency services transported injured individuals who were trapped along the highway to local hospitals.
Afghanistan has experienced a series of earthquakes in recent years, illustrating the country's vulnerability to natural disasters, especially in its remote regions. Most buildings in Afghanistan are low-rise constructions made primarily from concrete and brick, while homes in rural areas are often made from mud bricks and wood; unfortunately, many of these structures are poorly constructed, which exacerbates the impact of seismic events.
The recent earthquake follows a devastating 6.0 magnitude quake on August 31, 2025, near the border with Pakistan, which took the lives of over 2,200 people. On October 7, 2023, a prior 6.3 magnitude earthquake, accompanied by severe aftershocks, was reported to leave at least 4,000 individuals dead, according to the Taliban government.
The occurrence of such natural disasters highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Afghanistan as it strives to respond effectively to the needs of its people in times of crisis.
