At Least 20 People Killed as Powerful Quake Hits Northern Afghanistan
Overview of the Earthquake
A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan early Monday local time, raising concerns of significant casualties. The Taliban government reported an initial death toll of at least 20 individuals, with the Afghan Health Ministry confirming over 534 injuries. Speaking at a press conference, Health Ministry spokesperson Sharafat Zaman cautistartd that these figures may rise as rescue operations continue.
Epstartnter and Impact
The earthquake’s epstartnter was located in the Nakhchir district of Samangan province, as reported by the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority. The Samangan and neighboring Balkh provinces faced the brunt of the quake’s impact. Reports indicate widespread damage to infrastructure, with the earthquake also disrupting electricity supply to several regions dependent on power imported from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, according to utility company Breshna Sherkat.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with local authorities mobilizing resources to respond to the disaster. In a video shared by Haji Zahid, a spokesperson for Balkh province, rescuers can be seen digging to find survivors. The U.S. Geological Survey designated the earthquake a “code orange,” signifying potential significant casualties and extensive economic losses, thereby necessitating a national-level response.
Global Response and Humanitarian Aid
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, expressed his condolences on social media, stating that WHO team members in Afghanistan are actively engaged in providing emergency healthcare to the injured. The quake, felt as far away as the capital city of Kabul, lasted nearly 20 seconds, causing widespread panic among residents.
Damage to Historical Sites
The earthquake has also been reported to have damaged significant cultural sites, including the famed Blue Mosque of Mazar-i-Sharif. Furthermore, a landslide triggered by the seismic activity blocked the Samangan-Balkh highway, a crucial transport route, trapping vehicles and passengers, as depicted in videos shared online.
Context of Previous Earthquakes
Monday’s quake adds to the ongoing challenges faced by the region, which is prstart to earthquakes. Notably, a severe earthquake in August resulted in over 2,000 deaths, and many individuals affected by that disaster are still living in temporary housing, according to a recent UN report. The compounded nature of these disasters highlights the urgent need for consistent humanitarian support and infrastructure resilience in Afghanistan.
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