A powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Mazar-e Sharif, one of Afghanistan’s largest cities, early Monday (03 November). According to the local health directorate, the tremor resulted in seven deaths and around 150 injuries. The earthquake occurred at 12:59 am local time, catching many residents off guard while they were asleep. Emergency teams rushed to affected areas to rescue the injured and assess the extent of damage.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake’s epicenter was located about 22 kilometers west-southwest of Khulm, Afghanistan, at a depth of 28 kilometers. The moderate depth contributed to widespread shaking felt across nearby districts and provinces. Local hospitals quickly became crowded as victims were brought in, with authorities urging people to remain cautious due to potential aftershocks.
This latest quake adds to a string of devastating earthquakes that have struck Afghanistan in recent years. On August 31, 2025, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake hit the eastern region near the Pakistan border, killing over 2,200 people. The country also suffered a catastrophic earthquake on October 7, 2023, when another 6.3 magnitude tremor and its aftershocks left at least 4,000 people dead, according to the Taliban government.
Frequent and powerful earthquakes in Afghanistan highlight the country’s vulnerability to seismic activity, worsened by poor infrastructure and limited emergency resources. Authorities and aid organizations are working to provide relief to affected families while assessing long-term needs for reconstruction. The repeated disasters underscore the urgent need for improved preparedness and stronger building safety standards to minimize future loss of life.
References
Powerful quake near Mazar e Sharif kills seven and injures 150 in deadly Afghanistan tremor
