Magnitude 6.3 Earthquake Strikes Northern Afghanistan

In a devastating incident, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck northern Afghanistan late Sunday night, resulting in at least 20 fatalities. This disaster occurred two months after the most deadly earthquake in Afghanistan’s recent history. The earthquake’s epicenter was near Kholm, located in Samangan Province and close to the city of Mazar-e-Sharif, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

Impact and Casualties from the Earthquake

According to Sharafat Zaman, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, around 320 individuals sustained injuries, and fatalities are expected to rise. Most affected regions include Samangan and Balkh provinces. Many injured individuals have since returned home after receiving medical care.

Damage Assessment

• The Blue Mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif, a significant 15th-century landmark, suffered damage with stones dislodging, particularly from the minaret.
• Rescue operations by the Ministry of Defense facilitated the reopening of blocked roads.
• Seismic activity was felt even in the capital, Kabul, several hundred kilometers away.

Recent Earthquake Context

This earthquake comes on the heels of a 6.0 magnitude quake that struck eastern provinces in late August. That tragic event claimed over 2,200 lives and injured nearly 4,000. It also resulted in the destruction of approximately 7,000 houses.

Humanitarian Response Needs

Following the August earthquake, aid efforts faced challenges due to difficult access to affected agricultural areas near the Pakistan border. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that $111.5 million is required for humanitarian assistance. This funding aims to support 221,000 people in acute need following the quake.

Earthquake Frequency in Afghanistan

Afghanistan, particularly in the Hindukush mountain range, is susceptible to seismic activity. Since 1900, the northeastern region has recorded 12 earthquakes with magnitudes exceeding 7. The Taliban government, which returned to power in 2021, has dealt with multiple earthquakes, including one in Herat this year that resulted in over 1,500 deaths and significant destruction.