Northern Afghanistan Reels as 6.3 Magnitude Earthquake Kills Dozens and Injures Hundreds

A powerful earthquake has struck northern Afghanistan. The 6.3 magnitude tremor hit near the city of Mazar-i-Sharif. It killed at least 20 people and injured nearly 1,000 others. The quake damaged hundreds of homes and a historic mosque.

Residents are now beginning a massive clean-up operation. This disaster poses a severe new challenge for the Taliban-led administration. The country is already grappling with a deep humanitarian crisis and a sharp drop in foreign aid.

Afghanistan Earthquake Devastates Communities Ahead of Winter

The earthquake struck early on Monday. Its epicenter was close to Mazar-i-Sharif. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported 945 injuries.

Hundreds of houses were completely or partially destroyed. According to the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority, the damage is widespread. This level of destruction is particularly alarming with winter approaching. Temperatures in the region regularly drop below freezing.

In areas like Tangi Tashqurgan, people are digging through rubble. They are trying to reinforce damaged buildings. A local shopkeeper described the pervasive fear. He said dozens of structures were compromised and could collapse at any moment.

International Aid Pledged for Quake-Stricken Region

The Taliban government faces multiple crises. This includes a devastating earthquake in August that killed thousands. Mass deportations of Afghan refugees and sanctions from Western nations compound the situation.

The international community has started to respond. The United Nations has pledged assistance. India has also offered aid, signaling a potential thaw in relations with the Taliban. China announced it would provide support as well.

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

Experts point to rudimentary building quality as a key factor. They recommend constructing new buildings to be earthquake-resistant. Retrofitting existing structures could also prevent future collapses.

The recent Afghanistan earthquake underscores the nation’s extreme vulnerability to natural disasters. The urgent need for robust international aid and resilient infrastructure has never been more clear as communities face a brutal winter amidst the ruins.

Info at your fingertips

How strong was the Afghanistan earthquake?

The earthquake registered a magnitude of 6.3. It struck near the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif.

What is the latest casualty count?

Authorities confirm at least 20 deaths. Nearly 1,000 people were injured, according to UN figures.

Which countries are offering aid?

The United Nations, India, and China have all pledged assistance. This international support is crucial for the response effort.

Why is the damage so severe?

Poor building construction contributes to high casualty figures. Afghanistan’s mountainous terrain also makes it highly prone to seismic activity.

Was this the first major quake this year?

No, a powerful earthquake in eastern Afghanistan in August killed thousands. This latest event is another severe blow to the country.

Trusted Sources

United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority, Reuters.