Earthquake in Northern Afghanistan
A significant earthquake of 6.3 magnitude struck northern Afghanistan early on Monday, resulting in numerous casualties and injuries.
Details of the Earthquake
- Epicenter: 22 kilometers west-southwest of Khulm.
- Time: 12:59 a.m.
- Depth: 28 kilometers.
Casualties and Injuries
- Confirmed Deaths: At least 20 people.
- Injuries: Over 320 people, mostly with minor wounds.
Impact and Response
- The earthquake affected the provinces of Balkh, Samangan, and Baghlan.
- The Ministry of Defense initiated rescue operations in the most damaged areas.
- Significant damage reported in Mazar-e-Sharif, including to the historic Blue Mosque.
- A rockslide temporarily blocked a major highway connecting Kabul to Mazar-e-Sharif.
Government and International Response
- The Taliban government expressed sorrow and mobilized aid efforts.
- The United Nations is actively assessing needs and delivering urgent aid.
Historical Context
- Afghanistan has experienced several significant earthquakes recently, including a magnitude 6.0 earthquake on August 31 and a magnitude 6.3 quake on October 7, 2023.
- The country's infrastructure is often inadequate to handle such disasters, particularly in remote regions.
