Powerful Earthquake Strikes Northern Afghanistan, Leaving Dozens Dead and Hundreds Injured

 

The 6.3-magnitude quake struck overnight with the epicentre near the city of Mazar-i-Sharif, according to the US Geological Survey.

A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan overnight, killing at least 20 people and injuring more than 300 others. The tremor hit near the city of Mazar-i-Sharif in the Hindu Kush region at around 12:59 a.m. local time on November 3, 2025, at a depth of 28 kilometers.

The quake caused significant damage to homes, infrastructure, and cultural landmarks, including the Blue Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif, one of Afghanistan’s most iconic religious sites. Rescue teams and local residents have been working through the rubble in search of survivors, while hospitals in the region are struggling to cope with the influx of injured.

The United Nations and humanitarian agencies have mobilized quickly, with emergency medical assistance and food supplies being rushed to the affected areas. Officials have warned that the death toll may rise as search and rescue operations continue in remote villages.

This disaster comes just two months after another devastating earthquake in eastern Afghanistan that killed more than 2,000 people, underscoring the country’s vulnerability to seismic activity. With foreign aid dwindling and infrastructure weakened by years of conflict, Afghanistan faces immense challenges in mounting an effective response.

Local authorities have appealed for international support, stressing the urgent need for medical supplies, shelter, and food assistance. Survivors, many of whom have been left homeless, are bracing for cold nights as winter approaches.

The quake is the latest in a series of natural disasters that have tested Afghanistan’s resilience, highlighting the urgent need for stronger disaster preparedness and international cooperation to support recovery efforts.