A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan early Monday, killing at least 10 people and injuring around 260 others, according to Afghan health authorities.
The US Geological Survey located the epicenter 22 kilometers west-southwest of Khulm, with tremors recorded shortly before 1 am local time. The quake severely impacted Balkh and Samangan provinces, where homes and buildings were damaged, and rescue operations are underway.
In Mazar-e-Sharif, minor damage was reported at the city’s iconic Blue Mosque, a centuries-old site revered across the region. Officials confirmed that the structure remains intact but is being assessed for safety.
The Afghan Ministry of Defence said emergency teams have been deployed to the affected districts to assist survivors and coordinate relief work. Authorities noted that the nation continues to face significant challenges in managing the impact of natural disasters due to limited infrastructure and resources.
This latest quake follows a series of devastating tremors that have hit Afghanistan in recent years, underscoring the country’s growing vulnerability to seismic activity.