Afghanistan Earthquake Recovery Begins as Death Toll Rises to 27

A powerful earthquake has struck northern Afghanistan. The 6.3 magnitude tremor hit near the city of Mazar-i-Sharif. It killed at least 27 people and injured nearly a thousand more. The disaster has damaged hundreds of homes and a historic mosque.

Residents began a massive clean-up operation on Tuesday. They are digging through rubble and reinforcing damaged buildings. The quake poses a severe challenge for the Taliban-led administration, which is already managing multiple humanitarian crises.

Afghanistan Earthquake Causes Widespread Damage

The quake struck early on Monday. Its epicenter was close to Mazar-i-Sharif. The city’s historic Blue Mosque sustained damage, according to authorities.

Hundreds of houses were completely or partially destroyed. This information comes from the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority. The scale of destruction is a major concern with winter approaching. Temperatures in the region regularly drop below freezing.

A local shopkeeper described the scene. Mohammad Yasin said dozens of structures were damaged. “If you go inside the shops, you feel afraid they might collapse any moment,” he told Reuters. The United Nations reports that 945 people were injured.

International Community Mobilizes Aid

The United Nations has pledged assistance to the affected region. India has also offered aid, signaling a potential thaw in relations with the Taliban government. China announced on Tuesday it would provide support as well.

This disaster is the latest in a series of challenges for Afghanistan. An earthquake in August killed thousands in the east. The country also faces a sharp drop in foreign aid and mass deportations of Afghan refugees from neighboring nations.

According to seismic experts, Afghanistan’s rugged terrain makes it prone to earthquakes. These events cause the most fatalities among the country’s natural disasters. They kill an average of 560 people each year.

The international response to this Afghanistan earthquake will be critical for survival, especially as harsh winter conditions loom for displaced families.

Thought you’d like to know

Where was the earthquake in Afghanistan?

The 6.3 magnitude quake struck near the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif. The epicenter was in the Tangi Tashqurgan area.

How many people were injured?

Nearly 1,000 people were injured. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported 945 injuries.

Was any historical site damaged?

Yes, the historic Blue Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif was damaged. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed by authorities.

Why is this earthquake particularly dangerous?

The timing is critical as winter approaches. Hundreds of destroyed homes leave families exposed to freezing temperatures just weeks away.

Which countries are offering aid?

The United Nations, India, and China have pledged assistance. This international support is vital for the Taliban-led administration.