MAZAR E SHARIF, The Mazar e Sharif earthquake rocked northern Afghanistan in the early hours of Monday, with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reporting a magnitude of 6.3 at a depth of approximately 28 km (17 miles) near the city of Mazar e Sharif in the province of Balkh. According to local officials, at least ten people have been killed, and around 260 injured, though the final toll may rise as rescue efforts continue.

What Happened

The quake struck near the district of Khulm, roughly 22 km west-southwest of Mazar-e-Sharif, at a shallow depth of 28 km, intensifying the shaking and spread of damage. Tremors were felt as far as the Afghan capital, Kabul, highlighting the scale of the seismic event.  Local officials from the provincial health directorate reported multiple deaths and hundreds wounded, with many injuries caused by collapsing walls and falling debris.

Extent of Casualties and Damage

In the immediate aftermath of the Mazar-e-Sharif earthquake, provincial spokespersons confirmed casualties and structural damage across Balkh and neighboring provinces. A Taliban-appointed provincial spokesman admitted to “minor injuries and superficial damage” across all districts, but emphasized more serious casualties in specific areas. A key heritage site, the historic Blue Mosque of Mazar e Sharif, also suffered damage, according to local reports.

Response and Challenges Ahead

Emergency response teams and local authorities are mobilizing to assist survivors of the Mazar e Sharif earthquake. Officials say they are monitoring the situation closely, especially in remote districts affected by the tremor. However, challenges remain: access to affected rural areas is difficult, and the region has a history of being under-resourced following seismic events. Given the shallow depth of this quake and its magnitude, experts are warning of potentially widespread damage and further casualties. The USGS issued an “orange alert,” signaling significant risk.

Why it Matters

The Mazar e Sharif earthquake underscores the persistent seismic vulnerability of northern Afghanistan, particularly within the broader seismic zone of the Hindu Kush and its adjacent ranges. According to earthquake-catalogue data, hundreds of earthquakes of magnitude four or greater occur annually near the region around Mazar-e-Sharif. The current event is especially significant because shallow quakes tend to cause more damage, and the affected provinces host dense populations and infrastructure that may not be built to resilient standards.

What Comes Next

In the coming hours and days, authorities will focus on search and rescue operations, damage assessment, and the provision of emergency medical and humanitarian assistance. Given the scale of destruction and number of injured from the Mazar e Sharif earthquake, international aid may also be required. Monitoring for aftershocks and securing damaged buildings will be critical to preventing further loss of life.