Afghanistan Earthquake Today: 6.3 Magnitude Tremor Kills at Least 7, Injures Over 150

A powerful earthquake has again struck Afghanistan. The 6.3 magnitude tremor hit near the city of Mazar-e Sharif. It killed at least seven people and injured more than 150 others. The quake occurred on Monday morning, causing widespread panic.

Rescue efforts are now underway in one of Afghanistan’s largest cities. According to Reuters, the death toll is expected to rise. This disaster comes just months after a previous quake claimed thousands of lives in the region.

Afghanistan Earthquake Details and Immediate Impact

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake’s magnitude at 6.3. It struck at a shallow depth of 28 kilometers. The epicenter was located close to Mazar-e Sharif, a city with over half a million residents.

The USGS issued an orange alert through its PAGER system. This warning signals that significant casualties are likely. It also suggests the disaster is potentially widespread. Initial reports had estimated a slightly lower magnitude.

Social media was quickly flooded with images of the destruction. One CCTV footage from a home in Mazar-e Sharif went viral. It captured the terrifying moment the ground began to shake violently.

Rescue Operations and Historical Context

Rescue teams are now working to pull survivors from the rubble. Videos on platform X show workers retrieving what appear to be bodies from collapsed structures. The national disaster management agency stated full details on casualties are forthcoming.

This seismic event is a grim reminder of the country’s vulnerability. In August, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake left at least 2,200 people dead. That disaster also injured thousands more across affected provinces.

Afghanistan’s high seismic risk is due to its geology. The nation sits atop multiple fault lines. These are where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates collide. Earthquakes are often shallow, releasing destructive energy directly at the surface.

The repeated seismic disasters in Afghanistan highlight the urgent need for robust disaster preparedness in a region perpetually at nature’s mercy. This latest Afghanistan earthquake adds another layer of tragedy to a population already facing immense hardship.

Thought you’d like to know

What was the magnitude of the Afghanistan earthquake?

The earthquake registered a magnitude of 6.3. This was confirmed by the United States Geological Survey. Initial reports had suggested a slightly lower figure.

Where was the epicenter located?

The epicenter was near the city of Mazar-e Sharif. It struck at a depth of 28 kilometers. The city has a population of approximately 523,000 people.

How many people were killed or injured?

At least seven people have been confirmed dead. Over 150 individuals have been reported injured. These numbers are expected to rise as rescue operations continue.

Why is Afghanistan prone to earthquakes?

The country is located on several major fault lines. It sits at the convergence of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This geological setting makes it highly susceptible to seismic activity.

What is the USGS PAGER orange alert?

An orange alert indicates that significant casualties are likely. It also warns that the disaster impact is potentially widespread. This helps emergency services prepare their response level.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, United States Geological Survey (USGS).