Powerful 6.3 Magnitude Earthquake Kills at Least 10 in Northern Afghanistan, Hundreds Injured

KABUL, November 3, 2025

A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck near the northern Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif early Monday morning, killing at least 10 people and injuring over 260, according to authorities. Officials warned that the death toll is likely to rise as rescue operations continue.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake occurred at a depth of 28 kilometers (17.4 miles) near Mazar-e-Sharif, a city with a population of about 523,000.

“As of this morning, seven people have been confirmed dead and 150 injured, with victims transferred to nearby health centers,”
said Samim Joyanda, spokesperson for the health department in Samangan Province, located near the epicenter.
“These numbers are based on hospital reports and are expected to increase.”

The Afghan Taliban’s Ministry of Defense said that Balkh and Samangan provinces were the most affected regions, confirming multiple fatalities.
Military rescue and emergency teams were deployed immediately to conduct search and rescue operations, transport the injured, and provide emergency assistance to affected families.

Health Ministry spokesperson Sharfat Zaman said that rescue efforts are ongoing.

“Health teams have arrived in the affected areas, and all nearby hospitals have been put on standby,” he said, warning that the number of casualties could rise further.

The USGS issued an orange alert through its PAGER system, indicating that “significant casualties are likely, and the disaster may be widespread.” Past incidents with this alert level have typically required national or regional-level responses.

Afghanistan’s vulnerability to earthquakes stems from its location on two active fault lines, which frequently cause severe tremors. In August, more than 2,200 people were killed and thousands injured following a major quake and subsequent aftershocks in the country’s southeast.

In Balkh Province, the earthquake also caused partial damage to the historic Blue Mosque, a sacred shrine in Mazar-i-Sharif, according to provincial spokesperson Haji Zaid.

Videos circulating on social media platform X showed rescuers pulling survivors and bodies from the rubble, as well as collapsed buildings and widespread debris. Reuters was unable to independently verify the authenticity of the footage.