Afghanistan Hit by Devastating 6.3-Magnitude Earthquake

A magnitude-6.3 earthquake struck northern Afghanistan near the city of Mazar-e-Sharif, killing at least 20 people and injuring over 530. The earthquake caused widespread destruction, including damage to the historic Blue Mosque, and led to a power outage across the country. The Taliban government and local authorities are responding to the disaster, with rescue efforts ongoing. The region is prone to earthquakes due to its location on multiple fault lines, and the recent quake follows a devastating earthquake in late August that killed over 1,100 people.

A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan on November 3, 2025, killing at least 20 people and injuring over 534 others. The earthquake's epicenter was in the Nakhchir district of Samangan province, with the Samangan and neighboring Balkh provinces being the hardest hit. The quake caused significant damage to infrastructure, including electricity lines, and triggered a landslide on a key transport route. The Taliban government and international organizations, including the United Nations' World Health Organization, responded to the disaster. The earthquake was felt in the capital city of Kabul and other provinces, and caused damage to the famed Blue Mosque of Mazar-i-Sharif.

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck near Mazar-e Sharif in northern Afghanistan, resulting in at least 20 deaths and 320 injuries. The Taliban Health Ministry reported that the number of casualties may rise. The US Geological Survey issued an orange alert, indicating significant casualties and widespread damage. The earthquake damaged the historic Blue Mosque in Mazar-e Sharif. 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, having experienced devastating earthquakes in the past, including in 2015 and 2023.