Afghanistan: 6.3-magnitude earthquake rocks northern regions; 10 dead
What's the story
A powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.3 struck northern Afghanistan in the early hours of Monday, killing at least 10 people and injuring around 150 others, according to Reuters. The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) said the quake occurred at a depth of 23km. The epicenter was near Mazar-i-Sharif and Khulm, towns with tremors felt across Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.
Casualty forecast
USGS predicts significant casualties, widespread damage
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has predicted "significant casualties" and "potentially widespread" disaster due to the quake. "Several provinces of the country were once again shaken by a strong earthquake at around 1 am (3:30 p.m. ET Sunday)," the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority told CNN. Mazar-e Sharif, a city with over 500,000 residents, saw many people rushing into the streets for safety.
Official statement
Taliban spokesman confirms deaths, injuries
Earlier, Haji Zaid, a Taliban spokesman in Balkh province, confirmed four deaths and many injuries in Sholgara district on X. A health official in Samangan province said seven people died and 150 were injured. Zaid also mentioned "minor injuries and superficial damages" across other districts of the province. He said that most injuries were due to people falling from tall buildings during the quake.
Damage assessment
Video shows debris at Mazar-e Sharif's Blue Mosque
Zaid also shared a video on X showing debris at the Blue Mosque in Mazar-e Sharif. The religious complex is believed to contain the tomb of the first Shia Imam and is a pilgrimage site. Khalid Zadran, another Taliban spokesman, said police teams are monitoring the situation closely. The earthquake comes after a deadly 6.0-magnitude quake hit Afghanistan's eastern region in late August, killing over 1,000 people.
Twitter Post
Visuals showing damage sustained to Rawzeh Sharif
یادي زلزلې د روضیې شریفي ښکلا ته هم ستر زیان رسولي.
— Haji zaid (@Hajisahib1234) November 2, 2025
👇 pic.twitter.com/U6Rj5n4PZF