Afghanistan Earthquake 2025: 6.3 Magnitude Tremor Kills 20, Injures Hundreds

A powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan. The tremor hit near the town of Khulum just after midnight. It killed at least 20 people and injured hundreds more.

The quake caused significant damage to vulnerable mud-brick homes. It also damaged the historic Blue Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif. Rescue efforts were complicated by rockslides that blocked key mountain roads.

Casualties and Immediate Damage Reported

According to the Associated Press, a disaster management official confirmed the casualties. Qari Taj Mohammad Hemat stated 20 people died. He also reported 643 others were injured.

The US Geological Survey provided precise data on the quake’s origin. It struck at a depth of 28 kilometers. The shaking was felt strongly in the capital, Kabul, and across several northern provinces.

Social media footage showed the immediate aftermath. People were seen digging through rubble with their hands. Bricks were shown fallen from the walls of the famous Blue Mosque.

Regional Vulnerability and Historical Context

Afghanistan’s location makes it prone to significant seismic activity. The region’s mountainous terrain and construction styles amplify the damage. Mud-brick homes, common in rural villages, are highly vulnerable to collapse.

In one Badakhshan village, 800 houses were partially or completely destroyed. This highlights the devastating impact on local communities. The event echoes a major 2023 quake in Herat that killed thousands.

The rockslide on the Kabul-Mazar-e-Sharif highway was cleared. This allowed critical aid and rescue teams to access the affected regions more quickly. The focus now shifts to providing shelter for those who lost their homes.

The recent Afghanistan earthquake underscores the persistent seismic threat to the region. The high casualty count reflects the vulnerability of local infrastructure. Recovery efforts continue as communities assess the full scope of the damage.

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What was the magnitude of the Afghanistan earthquake?

The earthquake registered a magnitude of 6.3. The US Geological Survey recorded the tremor. It struck at a depth of 28 kilometers.

Where was the epicenter located?

The epicenter was 22 kilometers west-southwest of Khulum. This is in northern Afghanistan. The shaking was felt widely across the region.

How many people were injured?

Officials reported 643 people were injured. The number of casualties was confirmed by the National Disaster Management Authority. The death toll stands at 20.

Was any historical site damaged?

Yes, the historic Blue Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif sustained damage. Social media footage showed bricks fallen from its walls. The site is a major cultural and religious landmark.

Why does Afghanistan experience strong earthquakes?

The country is located on active fault lines. Its position makes it seismically volatile. Poor building construction often leads to higher casualties.

Trusted Sources

Associated Press, Reuters, US Geological Survey