MAZAR-E-SHARIF (Nov 4): At least 20 people were killed and more than 530 injured after a powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan early Monday, with the toll expected to rise as rescue operations continue, local authorities said.
The quake hit near Mazar-e-Sharif, one of Afghanistan’s largest cities, at around 1:00 a.m. local time (20:30 GMT Sunday), according to the US Geological Survey, which placed its depth at 28 kilometres and issued an orange alert, indicating “significant casualties” were likely.
Officials from the Taliban-run Health Ministry said most injuries were reported in Balkh, Samangan, and Baghlan provinces, with several victims admitted to hospitals in Mazar-e-Sharif. Local Taliban spokesperson Haji Zaid said many residents of Sholgara district were hurt after falling from buildings during the tremor.
Images and videos shared on social media showed debris scattered around the historic Blue Mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif, a key Shia religious site. Power cuts were reported across much of the country, including Kabul, after transmission lines from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan — major power suppliers — were damaged.
Many residents fled their homes in panic, fearing structural collapse, as aftershocks rippled through the region.
India sends relief supplies, offers medical aid
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said he had spoken to Afghanistan’s Taliban Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi to express condolences and assure continued humanitarian support.
“Called FM Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi of Afghanistan following the earthquake. Indian relief material for the earthquake-impacted communities is being handed over today. Further supplies of medicines to reach soon,” Jaishankar wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also shared photos of relief consignments, including food items and emergency supplies, being delivered to Afghan authorities. “Reaffirming its support to the Afghan people, India delivers food items for the families affected by the earthquake,” he said.
India has consistently extended humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan in recent years, providing food grains, medical supplies, and vaccines through the United Nations and local partners since the Taliban takeover in 2021.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with Afghan emergency teams supported by local volunteers clearing debris and searching for survivors in remote quake-hit areas.