A powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan overnight, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 people and injuring hundreds more, according to health officials.
A spokesperson for the country’s Health Ministry confirmed the casualty figures, stating that at least 320 people have been injured. The official warned that the death toll is likely to rise as search and rescue operations continue in the affected regions.
The Ministry of Defense announced that rescue and emergency aid teams have been deployed to the area and have begun operations to assist survivors and assess the damage.
The United States Geological Survey reported that the quake’s epicenter was located approximately 22 kilometers (14 miles) from the town of Kulm. The seismic event struck at a depth of 28 kilometers (17 miles). While the tremors were felt in the capital city of Kabul, the bulk of the damage was concentrated in the Saman provinces.
Significant damage was reported to one of the nation’s most cherished landmarks. Footage circulating on social media showed the quake caused substantial damage to the iconic Blue Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif. The centuries-old site is one of Afghanistan’s most revered religious structures.
Earthquakes are a frequent and devastating occurrence in the country’s mountainous terrain. The nation is still recovering from a major tremor that hit in late August, which killed at least 2,200 people.
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