Afghanistan Hit by Devastating 6.3 Magnitude Earthquake

A magnitude-6.3 earthquake struck northern Afghanistan on Monday, killing at least 20 people and injuring over 320. The quake hit near Mazar-e-Sharif, a city of around 500,000 people, and was followed by rescue efforts. The Taliban government health ministry reported that the casualty toll is expected to rise as more information becomes available. The earthquake comes after a similar quake in late August that killed over 1,000 people. Afghanistan is prone to earthquakes due to its location on multiple fault lines.

A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan on Monday, killing at least 20 people and injuring around 320 others. The quake's epicenter was in the Nakhchir district of Samangan province. The earthquake was felt in the capital city of Kabul and other provinces, and triggered a landslide on a key transport route, trapping cars and passengers. The US Geological Survey designated the earthquake as 'code orange', indicating significant casualties and economic losses. The quake also damaged the famous Blue Mosque of Mazar-i-Sharif. Rescue efforts are underway, with people digging with shovels to try to rescue survivors. This is the latest in a series of earthquakes to hit the region, with over 2,000 people dying in a temblor in August.

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck near Mazar-e Sharif in northern Afghanistan, resulting in at least 20 deaths and 320 injuries. The US Geological Survey issued an orange alert, indicating significant casualties and widespread damage. The Taliban Health Ministry reported that the number of dead and injured may rise. The earthquake damaged the Blue Mosque, a holy shrine in the city. The United Nations is on the ground assessing needs and delivering aid. Afghanistan is prone to earthquakes due to its location on two major active fault lines.

A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan near the city of Mazar-e Sharif, resulting in at least 15 deaths and 320 injuries according to initial reports. The Taliban government and international organizations, including the United Nations, are responding to the disaster. The earthquake comes after a devastating 6.0-magnitude quake in eastern Afghanistan in late August that killed at least 1,400 people. Concerns about U.S. aid cuts and international donor reluctance to support the Taliban-run regime hindering disaster response have been raised.