Powerful 6.3 Magnitude Earthquake in Afghanistan Kills 20, Rescue Teams Rush to Remote Areas

Key Highlights–

• 6.3 magnitude quake near Mazar-e-Sharif kills at least 20, injures 320.
• The Historic Blue Mosque sustains structural damage.
• Rescue teams struggle to reach remote Balkh and Samangan villages.

A powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck near the northern Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif early Monday, killing at least 20 people and injuring hundreds, according to the country’s Health Ministry.

Deadly Quake Strikes Northern Afghanistan

The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported the tremor originated at a depth of 28 kilometers (17 miles), with its epicentre close to the city, home to more than half a million residents.

Health Ministry spokesperson Sharfat Zaman said around 320 people had been hospitalized, but the death toll was expected to rise as rescue operations expanded to rural districts of Balkh and Samangan provinces, among the worst-hit areas.

Historic Blue Mosque Among Sites Damaged

The 6.3 Magnitude earthquake also caused partial damage to the Blue Mosque, one of Afghanistan’s holiest and most iconic landmarks. Balkh province spokesperson Haji Zaid confirmed that parts of the centuries-old mosque, known for its turquoise-tiled domes and intricate mosaics, had suffered damage.

The mosque is believed to be the burial site of Hazrat Ali, cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Mohammad, making it a revered religious site. Built in the 15th century, it stands as a symbol of Afghanistan’s Islamic and cultural heritage. Footage verified by Reuters showed shattered tiles and masonry scattered across its courtyard, though the main structure remained intact.

Rescue Efforts and Worsening Casualty Fears

Videos circulating on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) showed emergency teams searching through rubble, pulling out survivors and bodies from collapsed buildings. Furthermore, local officials confirmed extensive structural damage across several northern districts.

A strong 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit northern Afghanistan overnight, leaving more than 20 dead and over 380 injured, according to the Health Ministry. pic.twitter.com/Pu606lF9l3

— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) November 3, 2025

“Our rescue and health teams have arrived in the area, and all nearby hospitals have been put on standby by the leadership to treat the injured,” said Health Ministry spokesperson Zaman.

Authorities warned that rescue operations were being hampered by poor connectivity, blocked roads, and aftershocks. Power cuts were reported across parts of Kabul and northern Afghanistan, according to Da Afghanistan Breshna Company, the national power supplier.

Recurring Natural Disasters Deepen Humanitarian Strain

The latest quake adds to a series of devastating natural disasters that have struck Afghanistan over the past year. In August 2024, a powerful earthquake in Herat province killed more than 2,000 people and destroyed thousands of homes.

The disaster comes as the Taliban administration continues to face mounting crises, from declining foreign aid to large-scale deportations of Afghan refugees from neighboring Pakistan and Iran. International aid groups have repeatedly warned that Afghanistan’s emergency response capacity remains severely limited following years of conflict and aid cuts since the Taliban takeover in 2021.

Afghanistan’s High Seismic Risk

Afghanistan lies in a highly active seismic zone at the convergence of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it one of Asia’s most earthquake-prone regions. According to experts, the country’s ageing infrastructure and lack of building standards exacerbate the impact of even moderate tremors.

The recent spate of quakes, including multiple 6.3-magnitude shocks in Herat last year, signifies the need for long-term seismic preparedness and stronger disaster response mechanisms.

Challenges for Authorities

The Taliban government has deployed rescue and medical teams to the affected zones and called for international humanitarian assistance. However, with limited access to global aid and constrained communication networks, recovery efforts are expected to be slow.

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As aftershocks continue to shake northern Afghanistan, residents of Mazar-e-Sharif remain on edge, many spending the night outdoors in fear of further collapses. For a nation already reeling from economic crisis and displacement, the 6.3 magnitude earthquake serves as another painful reminder of Afghanistan’s enduring vulnerability.