Powerful 6.3-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Northern Afghanistan — Dozens Affected, Major Damage Reported

Powerful 6.3-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Northern Afghanistan

A strong 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan early Monday local time, officials and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported, raising fears of widespread casualties and significant damage.

“Based on initial information, the magnitude of the earthquake was more than 6, and the epicenter was in the Nakhchir district of Samangan province,” the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority said.

Afghan Health Ministry spokesperson Sharafat Zaman told AFP that more than 20 people have been killed and roughly 320 injured across Balkh and Samangan provinces, while stressing these figures are preliminary as rescue and assessment operations continue.

The USGS recorded the quake at magnitude 6.3 with a depth of 28.0 km (about 17 miles) and assigned a "code orange" designation, signaling that significant casualties and substantial economic losses are likely and that a national-level response may be required.

Eyewitness and social-media videos appear to show the shaking lasting nearly 20 seconds and being felt as far away as Kabul. The tremor reportedly damaged the famous Blue Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif and triggered a large landslide along the Samangan–Balkh highway, a key transport route. Footage shows massive boulders blocking the road and at least one truck on fire, with vehicles and passengers trapped.

Residents and local officials have been seen digging by hand in attempts to reach potential survivors. Search-and-rescue teams and emergency services are mobilizing, but damaged roads and blocked routes could slow response times.

This disaster arrives as the region continues to recover from a catastrophic temblor in August that killed more than 2,000 people; a recent U.N. report noted many of those victims remain displaced and living in tents.

Key facts

• Magnitude: 6.3 (USGS)
• Depth: 28.0 km (about 17 miles)
• Epicenter: Nakhchir district, Samangan province
• Casualties (initial): At least 20 dead, ~320 injured across Balkh and Samangan
• Damage: Blue Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif damaged; landslide blocking Samangan–Balkh highway

Outlook: Casualty and damage figures are expected to change as assessments continue. Humanitarian assistance and coordinated national and international response may be needed given the scale of the impact and disrupted infrastructure.

Sources: Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority, Afghan Health Ministry, U.S. Geological Survey, AFP, social-media reports.