A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan before dawn Monday, killing at least 20 people and injuring over 300. The quake’s epicentre was near Khulm, affecting Balkh, Samangan, and Baghlan provinces. Rescue teams have reached the affected areas, while Taliban officials expressed grief and launched relief operations. The UN said it’s assessing needs and providing aid. The historic Blue Mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif sustained minor damage.
A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan before dawn Monday, killing at least 20 people and injuring over 300. The quake’s epicentre was near Khulm, affecting Balkh, Samangan, and Baghlan provinces. Rescue teams have reached the affected areas, while… pic.twitter.com/2OjcEHYQvd
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A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan early Monday local time, according to the USGS and local authorities, sparking fears of mass casualties and the need for a widespread response.
“Based on initial information, the magnitude of the earthquake was more than 6, and the epicenter was in the Nakhchir district of Samangan province,” the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority said in a statement.