Kabul: A powerful earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale struck northern Afghanistan early Monday, causing widespread panic and destruction. Initial reports confirmed that four people were killed and more than 60 sustained injuries. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the tremor’s epicenter was located near the Khulm region, close to Mazar-i-Sharif, at a depth of 28 kilometers. The quake caused severe damage to several houses and buildings, with many residents forced to flee their homes in fear.
Rescue teams rushed to the affected areas and began operations to pull people trapped under the debris. Emergency response units have been deployed, and hospitals in Mazar-i-Sharif have been placed on high alert to treat the injured. Local authorities said that relief materials and tents are being distributed to those who lost their homes in the disaster.
#BREAKING | A powerful 6.3 magnitude #earthquake struck northern #Afghanistan, sending shockwaves through Mazar-e-Sharif and nearby regions. #CCTV footage captured buildings and vehicles shaking violently as residents rushed for safety.#quake pic.twitter.com/vhY8ww6qZ0
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The Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority stated that a complete assessment of casualties and property losses will be shared soon. This is the second major earthquake to strike the country in recent months, following a devastating 6.0 magnitude tremor in eastern Afghanistan on August 31 that killed more than 2,200 people. Experts say Afghanistan remains highly vulnerable to seismic activity due to its location along active fault lines.