A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit close to Mazar-e Sharif in northern Afghanistan early on Monday, leading to the loss of at least 20 lives, injuries to hundreds of individuals, and significant damage to the renowned Blue Mosque. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the quake struck at a depth of 28 kilometers near Mazar-e Sharif, a city with a population of approximately 523,000.
Survivor Mohammad Rahim, residing in the Tashqurghan district near the quake’s epicenter, described the intense shaking lasting for about 15 seconds. He recounted the chaotic scene of dust-filled air hindering visibility after the tremors subsided. Rahim shared the rescue of his trapped mother and brother by local volunteers and rescue personnel.
Preliminary data from the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority indicated that 20 individuals lost their lives, while 643 sustained injuries, with 25 in critical condition. Health Ministry spokesperson Sharfat Zaman confirmed the mobilization of rescue and medical teams to the affected area, with nearby hospitals prepared to treat the injured.
The United Nations mission in Afghanistan expressed solidarity with the impacted communities and pledged support for ongoing rescue operations. India also extended aid to the affected regions, with Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar confirming the dispatch of relief supplies for those affected by the earthquake.
The historic Blue Mosque in Mazar-e Sharif suffered damages due to the earthquake, as reported by Balkh province spokesperson Haji Zaid. The mosque, a revered site in Afghanistan believed to be the burial place of the Prophet Mohammad’s cousin and son-in-law, suffered structural harm, with images showing broken masonry and tiles scattered in the courtyard.
The earthquake further exacerbated the challenges faced by Afghanistan’s Taliban administration, including the disruption of power supply across the country and worsening the humanitarian crisis in the aftermath of previous natural disasters. Save the Children highlighted the heightened vulnerability of children and families as winter approached, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance.
Given Afghanistan’s geographical location on active fault lines, the country remains susceptible to seismic activities. The recent earthquake adds to the toll of previous disasters, underscoring the nation’s need for robust disaster response mechanisms and international support in times of crisis.