6.4 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Northern Afghanistan; Death Toll Rises

A powerful 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan on Monday night, causing significant casualties and infrastructure damage across multiple provinces.

The quake’s epicenter was located approximately 51 kilometers northwest of Mazar-i-Sharif and 23 kilometers from Kholm in Samangan province, with tremors being felt as far as Kabul and neighboring regions. According to preliminary reports from local authorities, the earthquake has claimed at least 20 lives and left more than 320 people injured, though these numbers are expected to rise as rescue teams reach remote affected areas.

The Taliban’s public health ministry spokesperson confirmed that emergency medical response efforts are underway, with many of the injured being transported to regional hospitals, though medical facilities in some districts are reportedly overwhelmed by the influx of patients.

The earthquake has caused extensive damage to infrastructure across northern Afghanistan, with particularly severe impacts on power transmission systems.

The national power utility company, Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat, reported that the quake damaged critical electricity import lines from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, resulting in widespread blackouts across Kabul, Baghlan, Parwan, Panjshir and several other provinces. Repair crews are working to restore power, but officials warn that full restoration may take several days.

The tremor also triggered landslides in the Tashkurghan pass area, temporarily blocking the vital Kabul-Mazar highway, a crucial transportation artery that has since been reopened after emergency clearance operations. Local authorities have expressed particular concern about damage to rural housing structures, many of which were built without earthquake-resistant features, leading to numerous collapses in villages across the affected region.

International organizations have mobilized response efforts, with United Nations agencies deploying assessment teams to evaluate humanitarian needs in the hardest-hit areas.

A UN spokesperson stated that emergency shelters, medical supplies and winterization kits are being prepared for distribution, as nighttime temperatures in northern Afghanistan regularly drop below freezing at this time of year.

The earthquake compounds existing humanitarian challenges in Afghanistan, where millions were already facing severe economic hardship and food insecurity. Taliban officials have appealed for international assistance while maintaining that their disaster response capabilities are limited due to economic sanctions and the ongoing suspension of Afghanistan’s foreign reserves.

Seismologists have warned of potential aftershocks in coming days, and humanitarian organizations are emphasizing the urgent need for winterized tents, clean water supplies and trauma care services to prevent further loss of life in affected communities.