10 Dead, Hundreds Injured As Powerful Quake Strikes Northern Afghanistan

November 3, 2025, Afghanistan A devastating 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck near the northern Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif early Monday, killing at least 10 people and injuring over 260. The US Geological Survey reported the quake’s epicenter at a depth of 28 km, close to the populous city of 523,000 residents. Provincial officials from Samangan and Balkh confirmed the destruction of homes, roads, and parts of the historic Blue Mosque. Hospitals across nearby provinces have been placed on emergency alert as rescue operations continue to pull victims from the rubble. The Taliban government’s defense ministry said military teams were deployed immediately to provide aid, while local health departments warned that the casualty count is expected to rise. Residents described scenes of chaos, with walls collapsing and people rushing into the streets in panic. Videos shared online showed rescue workers digging through debris and carrying the injured to makeshift clinics. The USGS issued an orange alert through its PAGER system, indicating the potential for significant casualties and widespread damage. Afghanistan’s geographical position—straddling two active fault lines—makes it particularly prone to destructive seismic activity. This latest disaster follows a series of powerful quakes that have repeatedly struck the country in recent years, the most recent in August, which killed over 2,200 people in the southeast. Reconstruction efforts from previous quakes remain incomplete, deepening fears of another humanitarian crisis. With communication networks down in several areas, rescue teams face mounting challenges in reaching remote villages. Local officials are urging international humanitarian agencies to step in, as food, medical supplies, and shelter materials begin to run short. For now, the people of northern Afghanistan brace themselves amid aftershocks and uncertainty—mourning the lives lost while clinging to hope for those still buried beneath the ruins. Shaken Ground, Unshaken Spirit A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan near Mazar-e-Sharif, leaving at least 10 dead and over 260 injured. Buildings crumbled, parts of the iconic Blue Mosque were damaged, and families scrambled for safety as aftershocks rippled through the region. Rescue teams are racing against time to reach survivors trapped under debris, while hospitals struggle to treat the wounded. Afghanistan, already scarred by years of conflict and previous quakes, faces another heartbreaking test. Yet amid the dust and ruin, the resilience of its people endures—standing firm on a ground that refuses to stay still.