A powerful earthquake struck northern Afghanistan near the major city of Mazar-e-Sharif around 1 a.m. local time on Monday. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake measured 6.3 magnitude and its epicenter was near Khulm city in Balkh Province, at a depth of about 28 kilometers.
Afghan officials reported that at least four people have been confirmed dead in the initial assessment. “We have suffered major human and material losses. Many people have been injured, and so far, four deaths have been confirmed,” said Haji Zahed, spokesperson for the governor of Balkh Province.
The Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority stated in a release that “many provinces across the country were once again shaken by a powerful earthquake.” The tremors were also felt in neighboring Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, according to USGS.
Reports indicate that the historic Blue Mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif sustained significant damage. Videos shared on social media show debris and rubble scattered across the mosque’s courtyard.
Rahima, a former teacher in Mazar-e-Sharif, told CNN that she and her family rushed out of their home in panic. “My children screamed and ran downstairs. I have never felt such a strong tremor before,” she said.
In August, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake in eastern Afghanistan had killed at least 2,200 people and injured thousands more.
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