A POWERFUL earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale struck near the northern Afghan city of Mazar-e Sharif early on Monday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported.
Reuters reported today that the quake struck at a depth of 28 kilometres (17.4 miles) close to Mazar-e Sharif, a city of about 523,000 people, according to USGS data.
The agency issued an orange alert under its PAGER (Prompt Assessment of Global Earthquakes for Response) system, signalling that “significant casualties are likely and the disaster is potentially widespread.”
Afghanistan’s National Disaster Management Authority said it would release details of casualties and damage once reports from affected areas were confirmed.
The tremor comes only months after a devastating earthquake in August claimed more than 1,000 lives, according to the Afghan Red Crescent Society, which continues to provide humanitarian aid in the region.
News reports claim that at least four people were killed and 60 others injured after a powerful earthquake struck.
The quake, which hit at around 12.59am, was strongly felt across several provinces and in the capital, Kabul. Videos shared on social media showed residents scrambling to rescue victims trapped under debris and helping the injured in the aftermath of the tremor.
Local reports indicated significant structural damage in several residential areas, with collapsed homes and buildings leaving many feared trapped.
Authorities and residents have launched joint rescue operations, with officials warning that the number of casualties is expected to rise as efforts continue. - November 3, 2025
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