A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck near the northern Afghan city of Mazar-e Sharif early Monday, leaving at least 10 people dead and around 260 injured, according to local authorities. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the quake occurred at a depth of 28 kilometers near the city, which has a population of more than half a million.
Officials said the provinces of Balkh and Samangan were among the hardest hit. Samim Joyanda, a spokesperson for the Samangan health department, confirmed that the casualty figures were based on hospital data collected as of Monday morning. The Taliban’s defense ministry said military and emergency teams were deployed immediately to carry out rescue operations, transport the injured, and support affected families.
Health ministry spokesperson Sharfat Zaman noted that hospitals in nearby areas were placed on high alert, warning that the number of casualties could rise as rescue efforts continue.
The U.S. Geological Survey issued an orange alert, indicating that the quake could cause significant damage and require a regional or national response. Afghanistan, located on two major seismic fault lines, remains highly vulnerable to earthquakes, with thousands killed in previous tremors.
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