A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit near Mazar-e Sharif in northern Afghanistan early Monday, causing significant destruction and claiming the lives of at least 20 individuals while injuring hundreds. The iconic Blue Mosque in the city suffered damages due to the quake, with authorities anticipating the death toll to increase.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the earthquake struck at a depth of 28 kilometers close to Mazar-e Sharif, a city with a population of around 523,000 residents. Survivors described the intense shaking lasting for about 15 seconds, leaving buildings in ruins and engulfing the area in dust.
Rescue efforts were promptly initiated, with preliminary figures from the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority indicating 20 fatalities and 643 injuries, including 25 severe cases. Health Ministry spokesperson Sharfat Zaman confirmed that rescue and medical teams were deployed to the affected area, with hospitals placed on standby to provide necessary medical assistance.
The United Nations mission in Afghanistan pledged support for the rescue operations, while India, aiming to improve ties with the Taliban, announced the dispatch of relief materials for the earthquake-impacted communities.
Tragically, the earthquake also caused damage to the historic Blue Mosque, a revered site in Mazar-e Sharif believed to house the remains of the Prophet Mohammad’s cousin and son-in-law. The 15th-century structure sustained visible destruction, with broken masonry scattered in the courtyard.
The disaster presents another challenge for Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government, which is already grappling with multiple crises, including a previous devastating earthquake, dwindling foreign aid, and refugee issues. The quake disrupted power supply across the country, affecting Kabul and other regions.
The earthquake’s timing, just before winter, intensifies the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, especially for vulnerable populations enduring harsh weather conditions. The country’s seismic vulnerability, situated on active fault lines, poses a constant threat, as evidenced by previous deadly earthquakes that have struck the region.
The latest earthquake underscores the urgent need for ongoing support and resources to aid the affected communities in their recovery and rebuilding efforts.
