Powerful 6.3 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Northern Afghanistan, 20 Dead

UPDATE: A devastating 6.3 magnitude earthquake rocked northern Afghanistan just after midnight on October 7, 2023, killing at least 20 people and injuring more than 640 others, including 25 critically, according to disaster management officials.

The quake struck at 12:59 a.m., with its epicenter located 22 kilometers (14 miles) west-southwest of the town of Khulm at a depth of 28 kilometers (17 miles), as confirmed by the U.S. Geological Survey. Health officials warn that the casualty figures may rise as rescue efforts continue.

The earthquake’s impact has been catastrophic, particularly in the provinces of Balkh, Samangan, Sar-e-Pul, and Kunduz, where hundreds of homes have been destroyed. Eyewitnesses in Khulm recounted the chaos, with local resident Ahmad Zia stating, “We pulled the bodies of two people from the rubble, and their funerals will be held today.”

The Taliban government has mobilized rescue teams to the affected areas, with the Ministry of Defense confirming that they are transporting the injured to hospitals in Balkh and Samangan provinces. The situation remains fluid, with local authorities reporting ongoing rescues.

In the province of Badakhshan, reports indicate that 800 houses were partially or completely destroyed in one village alone. The lack of internet in these remote areas has hampered rescue operations and accurate casualty assessments.

Social media footage from Mazar-e-Sharif, the capital of Balkh province, showed minor damage to the historic Blue Mosque, a revered cultural landmark. Though several bricks fell from the walls, the mosque itself remains intact.

Rescue operations face significant challenges due to the region’s poor infrastructure. Many buildings are constructed from mud bricks and wood, making them particularly vulnerable to seismic activity. As one local, Abdul Mubin, described, “Many people’s houses were destroyed and their household goods were under the rubble.”

The United Nations has deployed teams to assess the damage and deliver urgent aid, stating, “We stand with the affected communities and will provide the necessary support.”

In a show of solidarity, Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of life, offering condolences and support to the Afghan people during this critical time. His statement came amidst ongoing peace talks between the two countries, highlighting the complex geopolitical context surrounding this disaster.

Officials emphasize the urgency of the situation, as the Taliban government continues to coordinate rescue efforts. The community is rallying, but the need for assistance is dire.

With aftershocks expected, authorities are advising residents to stay alert and prepared for further seismic activity. As the situation develops, the focus remains on rescuing those trapped and providing medical care to the injured.

This latest earthquake follows a catastrophic event in August, when a different quake claimed over 2,200 lives in eastern Afghanistan. The ongoing vulnerability of the region to such natural disasters underscores the need for robust emergency response strategies.

As rescue operations progress, the world watches closely, hoping for a swift recovery for those affected by this tragic event.