Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan: A powerful earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale struck northern Afghanistan early Monday, devastating communities near Mazar-i-Sharif and killing at least seven people, while more than 150 others were injured, according to local officials and the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake, which struck at 12:59 a.m. local time (20:29 GMT), sent waves of panic through the region as residents fled their homes into the cold night.
A Night of Fear and Chaos
Residents of Mazar-i-Sharif and nearby districts described the moment the ground began to shake as one of pure terror. Many were asleep when the quake hit, jolting families awake and causing widespread confusion.
“It felt like the entire earth was roaring beneath us,” said Ahmad Zahir, a resident of Mazar-i-Sharif. “The walls were trembling, glass was shattering, and people were screaming. We ran outside with our children, not knowing if our house would still stand.”
Witnesses reported that many houses particularly those built from mud bricks and unreinforced materials collapsed instantly. Several villages on the outskirts of the city suffered severe damage, with local rescue teams working frantically through the night to search for survivors trapped under rubble.
Epicenter and Geological Details
According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) west of Mazar-i-Sharif, one of Afghanistan’s largest cities, and struck at a depth of 28 kilometers (17 miles). Though not the most shallow, the quake’s magnitude and proximity to populated areas made it particularly destructive.
Aftershocks were felt across Balkh province, as well as in neighboring areas including Samangan and Kunduz, prompting fears of further tremors. Seismologists warned residents to remain cautious as aftershocks could continue for several days.
The Afghan Meteorological Department confirmed the quake’s impact and issued alerts urging people to avoid damaged structures until safety assessments were completed.
Casualties and Damage Assessment
Preliminary reports from Balkh provincial officials confirmed that at least seven people have died, while more than 150 were injured, many of them seriously. As rescue efforts continue, the number is anticipated to increase.
Hospitals in Mazar-i-Sharif, already strained by limited medical supplies, were quickly overwhelmed by the influx of casualties. Doctors and nurses worked tirelessly, treating injuries ranging from fractures and head wounds to trauma caused by falling debris.
“We are running short of bandages, painkillers, and blood,” said Dr. Farida Rahmani, a surgeon at the Balkh Regional Hospital. “We have received dozens of injured people within hours, and we are still getting calls from villages asking for help.”
Local authorities have deployed emergency teams to affected districts such as Shulgar, Chahar Kint, and Kishindeh, which appear to have suffered the most extensive damage. Initial assessments indicate that hundreds of homes have been destroyed or rendered unsafe, leaving many families without shelter.
Government Response and Rescue Operations
Afghanistan’s Disaster Management Authority said search and rescue operations were underway in collaboration with local police, volunteers, and humanitarian organizations. However, limited equipment and poor road access to rural areas have hampered efforts.
“Our priority is to save lives,” said Abdul Qayum Faizi, spokesperson for the Balkh provincial government. “Teams are on the ground providing first aid, clearing debris, and helping people relocate to safer areas. But we urgently need more resources heavy machinery, tents, and medical supplies.”
The Taliban-led administration also released a statement expressing condolences to affected families and urging international aid organizations to assist in relief operations. The Ministry of Disaster Management said it was coordinating with local officials to provide emergency shelter, food, and blankets for displaced residents.
International Reactions and Humanitarian Aid
The international community responded swiftly, with UN agencies and several humanitarian NGOs expressing concern and pledging assistance. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said it had activated its emergency response teams to assess the scale of the damage and provide support.
“This earthquake has once again shown the vulnerability of Afghanistan’s population to natural disasters,” said Ramiz Alakbarov, the UN’s Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan. “We are coordinating with local authorities and humanitarian partners to deliver immediate assistance, including medical aid, shelter materials, and food supplies.”
Doctors Without Borders (MSF), Red Crescent Society, and Save the Children have also mobilized their teams in northern Afghanistan, setting up temporary medical tents and distributing blankets and hygiene kits.
Neighboring countries including Pakistan and Iran offered condolences and emergency assistance. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying it was “deeply saddened by the loss of lives in Afghanistan” and “stands ready to provide any humanitarian support needed.”
Afghanistan’s Earthquake Vulnerability
Afghanistan sits at the intersection of several active fault lines, making it one of the most seismically active regions in Asia. The collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates frequently triggers earthquakes, particularly in the Hindu Kush and northern regions of the country.
Over the past two decades, Afghanistan has witnessed several devastating earthquakes, each leaving deep scars on communities already struggling with war and poverty. In October 2023, a series of quakes in western Herat province killed more than 1,000 people and destroyed entire villages.
Experts have long warned that poor infrastructure, lack of building codes, and inadequate disaster preparedness amplify the destruction caused by even moderate quakes. Most rural homes are constructed with mud bricks, which cannot withstand strong tremors.
Dr. Maria Anders, a seismologist at the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), noted that earthquakes of magnitude 6.3 can be devastating in nations like Afghanistan because to the vulnerability of buildings as well as their strength. “Public awareness and earthquake-resistant construction are essential.”
Survivors’ Stories: Courage Amid the Rubble
As dawn broke over Mazar-i-Sharif, heart-wrenching scenes unfolded across the affected areas. Families dug through debris with bare hands, searching for loved ones buried under collapsed walls.
In one tragic incident, a father lost two of his children when their home in Shulgar district crumbled. Tearfully, he told local media,
“I heard my daughter cry once, then silence. We could not reach her in time. Everything we had is gone.”
Nearby, volunteers formed human chains to pass rubble by hand, working tirelessly as cries for help echoed through the ruins. The spirit of community solidarity was evident as neighbors shared what little food, water, and blankets they had.
“We may have lost our homes, but not our hearts,” said Fatima Bibi, a resident helping coordinate local relief efforts. “We will rebuild, together.”
Cold Weather Adds to Suffering
Adding to the misery, temperatures in northern Afghanistan have dropped sharply at night, posing new challenges for survivors sleeping outdoors. The late autumn chill has made it especially difficult for children, the elderly, and the injured.
Many displaced families have set up temporary shelters using plastic sheets, blankets, and wooden poles, but aid agencies warn of health risks from exposure and unsanitary conditions.
“People are sleeping in open fields without proper shelter,” said Abdul Basir, a volunteer aid worker in Balkh. “We urgently need tents, warm clothing, and food supplies before conditions worsen.”
Communication and Infrastructure Challenges
Communication networks in several districts were briefly disrupted following the quake, making it difficult for emergency services to assess damage and coordinate responses. Roads leading to remote areas were also blocked by landslides and cracks, further delaying aid delivery.
The Afghan telecommunications authority said efforts were underway to restore full network connectivity. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works dispatched engineers to inspect bridges, roads, and public buildings for structural damage.
Calls for Long-Term Preparedness
While immediate rescue efforts remain the top priority, experts emphasize the need for long-term earthquake preparedness and resilient infrastructure in Afghanistan.
“We can’t stop earthquakes, but we can minimize their impact through better planning,” said Dr. Najeebullah Haqqani, a civil engineer and disaster response expert based in Kabul. “Investment in earthquake-resistant buildings, early warning systems, and community training programs can save thousands of lives.”
Despite years of conflict and limited resources, several organizations have tried to promote disaster education in schools and local communities. However, progress remains slow due to ongoing political and economic instability.
A Nation in Mourning, Yet Resilient
In Mazar-i-Sharif, mosques filled with mourners offering prayers for the victims. Funeral processions carried the dead through narrow alleys, as survivors wept and comforted each other.
Yet amid the grief, the resilience of the Afghan people shone through. Volunteers from across Balkh province arrived to donate blood, food, and money. Local youth groups launched social media campaigns to raise awareness and coordinate assistance.
“Afghans have endured decades of war, drought, and disaster,” said Habiba Noor, a teacher whose school was partially damaged. “But every time, we rise again. This earthquake will not break our spirit.”
As the dust settles and aftershocks continue, Afghanistan faces a daunting road to recovery. Rebuilding will take months perhaps years in a country where resources are scarce and international aid has diminished since the Taliban takeover.
For now, the focus remains on rescue, relief, and survival. Emergency teams continue to comb through debris, and families hold onto the hope of finding missing loved ones alive.
The tragedy has once again reminded the world of Afghanistan’s deep vulnerability to natural disasters and the urgent need for global solidarity to help its people recover, rebuild, and prepare for the future.
Key Facts: 6.3 Magnitude Earthquake in Northern Afghanistan
- Time of occurrence: 12:59 a.m. local time (20:29 GMT)
- Epicenter: 40 km west of Mazar-i-Sharif, Balkh province
- Depth: 28 km (17 miles)
- Fatalities: At least 7
- Injuries: Over 150
- Damage: Hundreds of homes destroyed, major infrastructure impact
- Response: Ongoing rescue operations, UN and NGOs providing aid.
The 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck northern Afghanistan serves as a stark reminder of the country’s fragile state not just geologically, but also socioeconomically. As emergency workers race against time to rescue survivors and provide relief, the resilience and unity of the Afghan people remain a powerful testament to hope in the face of tragedy.
In a land shaken by both nature and history, the strength of its people continues to endure — a beacon of perseverance amid the rubble.
