Afghanistan Earthquake: 6.3 Magnitude Quake Kills 7, Injures Over 150 in Mazar-e Sharif

At least seven people have died after a powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan on Monday morning. According to Reuters, citing the local health directorate, more than 150 people have been injured in the quake that hit the northern city of Mazar-e Sharif.

As rescue operations continue in one of Afghanistan's largest cities, officials have warned that the death toll could rise further as more people are pulled from the debris.

Strong Tremors Shake Mazar-e Sharif

Initial reports suggested the magnitude was 6.2 on the Richter scale. However, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) later confirmed the magnitude at 6.3. The USGS also issued an orange alert in its PAGER system, indicating that "significant casualties are likely and the disaster is potentially widespread."

The earthquake struck at a depth of about 28 kilometers (17.4 miles) near Mazar-e Sharif, a city with a population of roughly 523,000. Local authorities reported that rescue teams were working in affected areas, though the full extent of the damage remains unclear.

Tremors Captured on Camera

Social media has been flooded with visuals showing the aftermath of the quake. CCTV footage from a home in Mazar-e Sharif went viral after capturing the terrifying moment the tremors began.

Videos shared online also show emergency workers and local residents joining hands to rescue people trapped under rubble. In one clip circulating on X, rescuers can be seen pulling what appeared to be dead bodies from the debris while continuing to search for survivors.

Reuters cited officials from Afghanistan's national disaster management agency, who said that detailed reports on casualties and destruction would be released later.

Afghanistan's History of Deadly Earthquakes

Monday's earthquake follows a devastating 6.0 magnitude quake earlier this year that killed at least 2,200 people. The Taliban administration had initially reported 1,400 deaths and over 3,000 injuries, but the toll rose as rescue operations progressed.

Afghanistan sits on several fault lines where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates collide, making it highly prone to earthquakes. Many of these quakes are shallow, releasing energy close to the surface and causing widespread destruction in populated areas, including Kabul and surrounding provinces.

Fears of Rising Casualties

With rescue efforts underway, authorities and aid agencies are preparing for the possibility of more casualties as aftershocks continue. The full scale of the disaster is still being assessed, but early signs suggest significant structural damage and widespread fear among residents.

Experts have reiterated the need for better preparedness and stronger infrastructure to withstand such natural disasters in the future.

Credit: Oneindia