Powerful 6.3 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Northern Afghanistan

Kabul, Nov 3 (AP) A significant 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan early Monday morning, leading to the death of at least 20 individuals and leaving over 300 injured, according to a health official.

The US Geological Survey reported that the quake's epicenter was located 22 kilometers west-southwest of Khulm, occurring at 12:59 am at a depth of 28 kilometers.

Sharafat Zaman, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health, confirmed that the earthquake resulted in at least 20 fatalities and 320 injuries.

Yousaf Hammad, representing Afghanistan's disaster management agency, stated that most of the injured sustained minor wounds and were discharged after initial treatment.

In Kabul, the capital, the Ministry of Defence announced that rescue and emergency teams had reached the affected areas in the Balkh and Samangan provinces, which bore the brunt of the destruction. These teams commenced rescue operations, including transporting the injured and aiding affected families.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban government's chief spokesman, expressed sorrow over the casualties and financial losses via a post on the X platform. He mentioned that governmental organizations were actively engaged in delivering essential aid to those impacted.

Afghan officials noted that the earthquake's tremors were also felt in Mazar-e-Sharif, the capital of northern Balkh province. In Mazar-e-Sharif, social media footage displayed damage to the historic Blue Mosque. While several bricks had fallen, the mosque itself remained standing. This centuries-old site is one of Afghanistan's most venerated religious landmarks, central to Islamic and cultural festivities.

The quake's effects were registered in Kabul and numerous other Afghan provinces. According to a Defence Ministry statement, a rockslide temporarily obstructed a major mountain highway connecting Kabul with Mazar-e-Sharif, though the route was later cleared. It was also reported that some individuals who suffered injuries and were temporarily trapped along the highway were transported to hospitals.

The UN in Afghanistan noted on X that the recent earthquake occurred just weeks after a devastating quake in eastern Afghanistan. They stated that their teams are actively evaluating needs and distributing urgent assistance. “We stand with the affected communities and will provide the necessary support,” the message conveyed.

Afghanistan, in recent years, has experienced a series of earthquakes. The impoverished nation often struggles to manage such natural disasters, particularly in more remote regions. Infrastructure tends to be low-rise, constructed mainly from concrete and brick. In rural areas, homes are frequently made of mud brick and wood, often lacking sturdy construction.

A previous magnitude 6.0 earthquake hit eastern Afghanistan on August 31 near the border with Pakistan, resulting in over 2,200 deaths. On October 7, 2023, another magnitude 6.3 earthquake, along with strong aftershocks, claimed at least 4,000 lives, as reported by the Taliban government. (AP) NPK NPK

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