6.3-Magnitude Earthquake Kills 20, Injures 320 in Northern Afghanistan

A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck near Mazar-e Sharif in northern Afghanistan, killing at least 20 people and injuring around 320 others, with casualties expected to rise as rescue efforts continue. The quake, occurring at a depth of 28 kilometers, caused significant damage including to the historic Blue Mosque in Mazar-e Sharif, a revered religious landmark. The U.S. Geological Survey issued an orange alert, warning of potentially widespread impact and significant casualties. Rescue and emergency relief teams have been deployed to the hardest-hit areas in Balkh and Samangan provinces, where the earthquake caused fatalities and infrastructure damage, including power outages affecting nine provinces. This event follows recent seismic activity in the region, notably a 6.0-magnitude earthquake in September that killed over 1,400 people. The United Nations and local authorities are providing aid and support to affected communities amid ongoing relief operations.