At least 20 dead after magnitude-6.3 earthquake hits Afghanistan
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Powerful 6.3 quake kills at least 20 in Afghanistan, hundreds injured
6.3-magnitude quake strikes near Mazar-e Sharif in northern Afghanistan. At least 20 killed and about 320 injured, officials say. Power impacted across country. Part of Mazar’s historic Blue Mosque damaged. USGS issues orange alert, warning of potentially widespread impact. The quake hit at a depth of 28 km (17.4 miles) near the city, which has a population of about 523,000. The mosque is considered one of the holiest sites in Afghanistan and is believed to be the burial site of the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Mohammad. The current structure was built in the 15th century. The disaster is the latest challenge for war-torn Afghanistan’s Taliban administration, already grappling with crises including an August quake.
Companies 6.3-magnitude quake strikes near Mazar-e Sharif in northern Afghanistan
At least 20 killed and about 320 injured, officials say
Power impacted across country
Part of Mazar’s historic Blue Mosque damaged
USGS issues orange alert, warning of potentially widespread impact
KABUL, Nov 3 (Reuters) – A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck near the northern Afghan city of Mazar-e Sharif early on Monday, killing at least 20 people, injuring hundreds and damaging the city’s historic Blue Mosque, authorities said, with the death toll likely to rise.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake hit at a depth of 28 km (17.4 miles) near Mazar-e Sharif, which has a population of about 523,000.
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At least 20 people were killed and around 320 were injured, Health Ministry spokesperson Sharfat Zaman said, but officials warned the toll could rise as rescue teams reached remote villages in the worst-hit provinces of Balkh and Samangan.
Videos shared on social media platform X showed emergency responders searching the rubble for survivors. One video showed rescuers pulling what appeared to be dead bodies from collapsed buildings. Reuters could not immediately verify the footage of rescue efforts.
“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,” Zaman said.
BLUE MOSQUE
The earthquake damaged part of the Blue Mosque, the holiest shrine in Mazar-e Sharif, Balkh province spokesperson Haji Zaid said.
The mosque is considered one of the holiest sites in Afghanistan and is believed to be the burial site of the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Mohammad. The current structure was built in the 15th century.
Item 1 of 5 A rescuer works following an earthquake at an unidentified location in Afghanistan, in this handout image released November 3, 2025. Afghan Red Crescent/Handout via REUTERS [1/5] A rescuer works following an earthquake at an unidentified location in Afghanistan, in this handout image released November 3, 2025. Afghan Red Crescent/Handout via REUTERS Purchase Licensing Rights , opens new tab
Footage shared on social media and verified by Reuters showed broken masonry and tiles lying in the courtyard of the mosque, though the main structure remained standing.
The disaster is the latest challenge for war-torn Afghanistan’s Taliban administration, already grappling with crises including an August quake that killed thousands, a sharp drop in foreign aid and mass deportations of Afghan refugees by neighbouring countries.
The quake disrupted power across the country including to the capital Kabul, national power supplier Da Afghanistan Breshna Company said in a statement.
The USGS said “significant casualties are likely and the disaster is potentially widespread”.
ACTIVE FAULTS
Afghanistan is particularly vulnerable to quakes as it lies on two active faults that have the potential to rupture and cause extensive damage.
More than 2,200 people were killed and thousands more injured after a quake and strong aftershocks in the southeast of the war-shattered Islamic country at the end of August.
Past events with this alert level have required a regional or national level response, the system’s alert added.
Reporting by Mohammad Yunus Yawar in Kabul and Angela Christy in Bengaluru; Writing by Ariba Shahid, YP Rajesh and Alasdair Pal; Editing by Stephen Coates
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Afghanistan Earthquake Live Updates: At least 20 killed, 320 injured after 6.3 magnitude earthquake hits Mazar-e Sharif, more casualties feared
6.3 magnitude earthquake struck near northern Afghan city of Mazar-e Sharif. Death toll has risen to 20, while 320 others have been injured. US Geological Survey warned of ‘significant casualties’ and ‘potentially widespread’ disaster. Afghanistan has been vulnerable to earthquakes as the country is located on two major active fault lines. In August, a 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck the country’s mountainous eastern region, killing more than 1,000 people. The country lies on the edge of the Eurasian plate, which collides with the Indian plate. Afghanistan is among the world’s most disaster-prone countries. Earthquakes cause an average of 560 deaths annually and result in damages worth about $80 million each year. In 1998, two major earthquakes killed a combined 399 people across Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. A powerful 7.5-m Magnitude quake in 2015 killed a total of 399 people in Afghanistan, India and Pakistan. In 2012, a 7.0 magnitude quake in Afghanistan killed around 1,500 people.
Afghanistan Earthquake Live Updates: A powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Afghanistan’s Mazar-e Sharif, one of the country’s largest cities with a population of about 523,000 in the early hours on Monday. According to the US Geological Survey, the depth of the earthquake was 28 km (17.4 miles) near Mazar-e Sharif. The USGS also warned of “significant casualties” and “potentially widespread” disaster, BBC reported.
Casualties feared: The 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck near the northern Afghan city of Mazar-e Sharif has led to the death of at least 20 people, while 320 others have been injured, according to an Afghan province health department official. “A total of 320 people injured and 20 martyred have been reported and transferred to health centres as of this morning,” said Samim Joyanda, the spokesperson for the health department in Samangan near Mazar-e Sharif, Reuters reported.
Story continues below this ad Previous disasters: Afghanistan has been vulnerable to earthquakes as the country is located on two major active fault lines. In August, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck the country’s mountainous eastern region, killing more than 1,000 people. Live Updates Nov 3, 2025 12:14 PM IST Afghanistan Earthquake Live Updates: Afghan Red Crescent posts picture of rescue and relief efforts after earthquake in Afghanistan The Afghan Red Crescent posted pictures of the rescue and relief efforts being carried out in Afghanistan after at least 20 people died in the 6.3 magnitude earthquake early on Monday. A Powerful #earthquake struck #afghanistan’s #samangan and #balkh Provinces late last night. According to Initial reports, Seven people have been Martyred, around 150 Injured, and a large number of Homes destroyed. #arcs Rescue and Medical teams have arrived in the affected areas… pic.twitter.com/rMIe1V3THi — Afghan Red Crescent | افغاني سره میاشت (@ARCSAfghanistan) November 3, 2025</blockquot Nov 3, 2025 11:31 AM IST Afghanistan Earthquake Live Updates: What has United Nations said about earthquake in Afghanistan The United Nations in Afghanistan, in a post on X on Monday, said that the 6.3 magnitude earthquake came just weeks after a deadly earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan. The UN said that their team are on the ground assessing needs and delivering urgent aid. The UN said, "Just weeks after a deadly earthquake in eastern #afghanistan, the #north has now been struck by another strong #earthquake. Our teams and partners are on the ground to assess needs and deliver urgent aid. We stand with the affected communities and will provide necessary support." Just weeks after a deadly earthquake in eastern #afghanistan, the #north has now been struck by another strong #earthquake. Our teams and partners are on the ground to assess needs and deliver urgent aid. We stand with the affected communities and will provide necessary support. pic.twitter.com/65GCjsz0qG — UN Afghanistan (@unafghanistan) November 3, 2025 Nov 3, 2025 10:52 AM IST Afghanistan Earthquake Live Updates: Death toll in Afghanistan earthquake rises to 20, Afghan Taliban health ministry says The Afghanistan's Taliban health ministry has said that death toll in the 6.3 magnitude earthquake, which struck near the northern Afghan city of Mazar-e Sharif early on Monday, has risen to 20 and the injured toll has risen to 320, Reuters reported. Nov 3, 2025 10:42 AM IST Afghanistan Earthquake Live Updates: Which are the major earthquakes that struck Afghanistan in recent decades In 2022, a 6.0-magnitude quake killed around 1,000 people. Multiple tremors in 2023 destroyed entire villages and left another 1,000 dead. A powerful 7.5-magnitude quake in 2015 killed 399 people across Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. In 1998, two major earthquakes within three months killed a combined total of about 7,000 people. Nov 3, 2025 10:41 AM IST Afghanistan Earthquake Live Updates: Here’s a look at why Afghanistan experiences frequent earthquakes and what can be done to reduce their impact Hemmed in by rugged mountain ranges, Afghanistan is among the world’s most disaster-prone countries. Earthquakes cause the highest number of fatalities, an average of 560 deaths annually, and result in damages worth about $80 million each year. Afghanistan’s seismic activity stems from its location at the intersection of several major tectonic plates. The country lies on the edge of the Eurasian plate, which collides with the Indian plate moving northwards, while also being influenced by the Arabian plate to the south. Eastern and northeastern Afghanistan, particularly along the borders with Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, are most vulnerable to strong tremors. Kabul, the densely populated capital, faces the highest estimated financial damage from earthquakes, averaging about $17 million each year. (Read full report) Nov 3, 2025 10:15 AM IST Afghanistan Earthquake Live Updates: Why is Afghanistan vulnerable to earthquakes Afghanistan is particularly vulnerable to quakes as it lies on two active faults that have the potential to rupture and cause extensive damage. More than 2,200 people were killed and thousands more injured after a quake and strong aftershocks in the southeast of the war-shattered Islamic country at the end of August. Past events with this alert level have required a regional or national level response, the system's alert added. The earthquake destroyed part of the holy shrine of Mazar-i-Sharif, Balkh province spokesperson Haji Zaid said, referring to the Blue Mosque. Videos of rescue efforts being carried out to save people trapped under rubble and images of fallen debris in buildings were shared on the social media platform X. One video showed rescuers pulling what appeared to be dead bodies from rubble. – Reuters Nov 3, 2025 10:10 AM IST Afghanistan Earthquake Live Updates: At least 10 killed, nearly 260 injured in 6.3 magnitude earthquake, officials say A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck near the northern Afghan city of Mazar-e Sharif early on Monday, killing at least 10 people and injuring about 260, authorities said, with the death toll likely to rise. The US Geological Survey said the quake hit at a depth of 28 km (17.4 miles) near Mazar-e Sharif, which has a population of about 523,000. Nov 3, 2025 09:42 AM IST Afghanistan Earthquake Live Updates: Casualties rise in Afghanistan earthquake- death toll rises to 8, at least 180 others injured The death toll in 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Afghanistan's Mazar-e Sharif city has risen to eight and the injured toll has risen to 180, BBC reported quoting Afghanistan's health department spokesperson Samin Joyenda. Nov 3, 2025 09:26 AM IST Afghanistan Earthquake Live Updates: What has Afghanistan official said on death toll in 6.3 magnitude earthquake Yousaf Hammad, a spokesman for Afghanistan’s disaster management agency, said the people killed and injured were in Samangan province. He said most of the injured suffered minor wounds and were discharged after receiving initial treatment. Nov 3, 2025 08:58 AM IST Afghanistan Earthquake Live Updates: What has US Geological Survey said on Afghanistan's 6.3 magnitude earthquake The US Geological Survey (USGS) said that the 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Mazar-e Sharif city, which has a population of 523,000 at a depth of 28 km (17.4 miles). The USGS also warned of "significant casualties" and "potentially widespread" disaster after the 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck the region, BBC reported. Nov 3, 2025 08:43 AM IST Afghanistan Earthquake Live Updates: At least 7 killed, 150 injured in powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Afghanistan's Mazar-e Sharif A powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit Afghanistan's city of Mazar-e Sharif early on Monday, which has killed at least seven people and injured 150 others, according to an Afghan province health department official. “A total of 150 people injured and seven martyred have been reported and transferred to health centres as of this morning,” said Samim Joyanda, the spokesperson for the health department in Samangan near Mazar-e Sharif, Reuters reported.
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Powerful Afghanistan earthquake leaves 20 dead and reportedly damages famous Blue Mosque
Powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck northern Afghanistan overnight has killed more than 20 people and injured about 320, the health ministry said. The quake also damaged the Blue Mosque of Mazar-i-Sharif, a 15th-century landmark famed for its vibrant tiles. The US Geological Survey said the quake’s epicentre was 22km (14 miles) west-southwest of Khulm, Afghanistan, and at a depth of 28km. It struck at 12.59am local time, the USGS said. Rescue and emergency aid teams have reached the affected areas in the Balkh and Samangan provinces.
The preliminary tolls of deaths and injuries were recorded in the Balkh and Samangan provinces, which have suffered most of the damage, a ministry spokesperson, Sharafat Zaman, said in a video message shared with journalists.
The quake also damaged the Blue Mosque of Mazar-i-Sharif, a 15th-century landmark famed for its vibrant tiles, according to an AFP journalist who saw the damage.
The US Geological Survey said the quake’s epicentre was 22km (14 miles) west-southwest of Khulm, Afghanistan, and at a depth of 28km. It struck at 12.59am local time, the USGS said.
View image in fullscreen A rescuer searches through rubble after the latest earthquake in Afghanistan. Photograph: Afghan Red Crescent/Reuters
Yousaf Hammad, a spokesperson for Afghanistan’s disaster management agency, said most of the injured suffered minor wounds and were discharged after receiving initial treatment.
In Kabul, the ministry of defence announced that rescue and emergency aid teams had reached the affected areas in the Balkh and Samangan provinces and had begun rescue operations, including transporting the injured and assisting affected families.
In Mazar-i-Sharif, footage on social media showed the quake had caused some damage to the Blue Mosque, with AFP reporting that pieces of the ornate structure, particularly from one of its minarets, had broken off and fallen to the ground.
View image in fullscreen The Blue Mosque of Mazar-i-Sharif in northern Afghanistan has reportedly been damaged in the latest earthquake to hit the country. Photograph: Olivier Matthys/EPA
The centuries-old site is one of Afghanistan’s most revered religious landmarks and a major gathering place during Islamic and cultural festivals. It is one of the country’s few tourist sites.
The quake was felt in the capital, Kabul, and several other provinces in Afghanistan. The defence ministry said in a statement that rocks falling from the mountains briefly blocked a main highway linking Kabul to Mazar-i-Sharif, but the road was later reopened. It said some people who were injured and trapped along the highway were transported to the hospital.
Afghanistan has been rattled by a series of earthquakes in recent years and the impoverished country often faces difficulty in responding to such natural disasters, especially in remote regions.
Buildings in Afghanistan tend to be low-rise constructions, mostly of concrete and brick, with homes in rural and outlying areas made from mud bricks and wood. Many are poorly built.
A magnitude 6.0 earthquake on 31 August in eastern Afghanistan near the border with Pakistan killed more than 2,200 people. On 7 October 2023, a magnitude 6.3 quake followed by strong aftershocks left at least 4,000 people dead, according to the Taliban government.
With AP and Agence France-Presse
Earthquake kills at least 20 as it strikes northern Afghanistan
A magnitude 6.3 quake has struck near the city of Mazar-i-Sharif. A further 320 people are reported to have been injured. The disaster adds to the list of deadly quakes to hit the country since the Taliban took power in 2021. Just two months ago, an earthquake in the east killed more than 2,000 people. The quake struck at 12:59am on Monday (20:29 GMT) at a depth of 28km (17 miles) The USGS issued an orange alert in its PAGER system, which indicated that “significant casualties are likely and the disaster is potentially widespread’ The quake is the latest natural disaster for the Taliban government.
A magnitude 6.3 earthquake has killed at least 20 people as it struck northern Afghanistan near the city of Mazar-i-Sharif.
The Taliban Ministry of Public Health reported the death toll on Monday, raising the estimate as search efforts began. A further 320 people are reported to have been injured.
The disaster adds to the list of deadly quakes to hit the country since the Taliban took power in 2021, which has tested the movement’s capacity to govern as foreign aid dwindles. Just two months ago, an earthquake in the east killed more than 2,000.
The quake struck at 12:59am on Monday (20:29 GMT) at a depth of 28km (17 miles) near Mazar-i-Sharif, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Health Ministry spokesman Sharafat Zaman stressed to journalists that the death toll of 20 was only preliminary.
The USGS issued an orange alert in its PAGER system, which is an automated system that produces information on the impact of earthquakes, and indicated that “significant casualties are likely and the disaster is potentially widespread”.
Past events with this alert level have required a regional- or national-level response, the system’s alert added.
Afghanistan’s national disaster management agency said reports on casualties and damage would be shared later.
The earthquake also destroyed part of the holy shrine of Mazar-i-Sharif, Balkh province spokesperson Haji Zaid said, referring to the Blue Mosque.
In Mazar-i-Sharif, a city of about 523,000 people, many residents ran into the streets in the middle of the night, fearing their homes might collapse, an AFP news agency correspondent observed.
The quake is the latest natural disaster for the Taliban government, which has faced three major deadly earthquakes since taking over the country in 2021, as the foreign aid that formed the backbone of the country’s economy has dramatically dropped.
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A shallow magnitude 6.0 quake, the deadliest in recent Afghan history, struck this year on August 31 in the country’s east, killing more than 2,200 people.
Large earthquakes in western Herat, near the Iranian border, in 2023, and in eastern Nangarhar province in 2022 killed hundreds of people and destroyed thousands of homes.
Earthquakes are common in the country, particularly along the Hindu Kush mountain range, near where the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates meet.
Afghanistan is contending with multiple crises after decades of war: Endemic poverty, severe drought and the influx of millions of Afghans forced back home by neighbouring Pakistan and Iran.
Many modest Afghan homes are shoddily built, and poor infrastructure hampers rescue efforts after natural disasters like earthquakes.
Since 1,900, northeastern Afghanistan has been hit by 12 earthquakes with a magnitude above 7.0, according to Brian Baptie, a seismologist with the British Geological Survey.
At least 20 people killed as powerful quake hits north Afghanistan
A 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan on Monday, killing at least 20 people and injuring many more. The strong earthquake shook the capital, Kabul, the city of Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of Balkh province, and the northern Samangan province. Rescue and relief operations have begun in the worst-hit areas.
The strong earthquake shook the capital, Kabul, the city of Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of Balkh province, and the northern Samangan province.
Sharafat Zaman, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health, said at least 10 people died and 260 were injured in the incident.
As the number of casualties continues to rise, other sources reported that at least 20 people were dead and 320 people were injured.
Afghanistan’s ministry of defense announced that rescue and relief operations had begun in the worst-hit areas, where teams were already evacuating the injured and assessing the affected families.
In early September, a large earthquake killed 2,200 people in the country.
The 6.0 magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale struck eastern Afghanistan, in the mountainous area close to the border with Pakistan. The quake had rocked Jalalabad, the capital city of Nangarhar Province, at around midnight local time.
In October 2023, an earthquake in Afghanistan’s western province of Herat killed at least 2,400 people.
Earthquakes are common in Afghanistan, particularly along the Hindu Kush mountain range, killing hundreds of people on average each year and causing substantial material damage to the country.
The mountain range is where the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates meet.