Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan | November 3, 2025: A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake jolted northern Afghanistan in the early hours of Monday, leaving at least 20 people dead and over 320 others injured. The tremor, which struck around 1 a.m. local time, caused widespread panic as buildings shook violently in the darkness, catching residents off guard in their sleep.
Quake Strikes Near Mazar-i-Sharif and Khulm
According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the epicenter of the earthquake was located near Mazar-i-Sharif and Khulm, striking at a shallow depth of 23 kilometers. The timing of the tremor made it particularly dangerous, with most people asleep when it hit.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) warned early on that the quake could be deadly, noting,
“Significant casualties are likely, and the disaster is potentially widespread. Past events with this alert level have required a regional or national level response.”
Casualty Numbers Rising
Initial reports from Samim Joyanda, spokesperson for the health department in Samangan province, indicated that seven people had died and around 150 were injured. However, by mid-morning, Afghanistan’s Taliban health ministry revised the toll to 20 deaths and more than 320 injuries, according to AFP.
Officials say the figures could rise as rescue teams continue to pull survivors and bodies from the rubble. The national disaster management agency stated that detailed assessments of casualties and damages are still underway.
Scenes of Destruction and Desperation
Videos circulating on social media show rescuers digging through collapsed structures, searching for survivors amid piles of debris. In one unverified clip, emergency workers can be seen carrying victims—some unconscious, others lifeless—out of destroyed homes.
A witness from Mazar-i-Sharif said,
“The ground shook for what felt like forever. People ran outside barefoot, crying and praying.”
Among the damaged landmarks is the city’s iconic Blue Mosque, a 15th-century masterpiece known for its turquoise domes and intricate tile work. Reports suggest that parts of one of its minarets crumbled during the quake, scattering fragments across the mosque’s courtyard.
Rescue Efforts and Emergency Response
Emergency response teams, including the Afghan Red Crescent, have been deployed to the affected areas. Authorities are setting up temporary shelters for those displaced and sending medical aid to overwhelmed hospitals.
International organizations are monitoring the situation closely, with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) expected to assess the need for global assistance in the coming days.
Afghanistan’s History of Deadly Quakes
Afghanistan sits on several active fault lines and has witnessed repeated devastation from earthquakes over the years.
In August 2025, a 6.0-magnitude quake in eastern Afghanistan claimed over 2,200 lives and injured more than 2,800.
Two years earlier, in October 2023, the Herat region was struck by a series of four powerful tremors, each around 6.3 in magnitude, killing over 1,000 people and displacing thousands more.
The recurrence of such high-intensity earthquakes underscores the country’s vulnerability and the urgent need for better infrastructure and preparedness measures.
Summary: Key Highlights
- Magnitude: 6.3
- Epicenter: Near Mazar-i-Sharif and Khulm
- Depth: 23 km
- Time: 1:00 a.m. local time
- Casualties: At least 20 dead, 320 injured (as per Taliban health ministry)
- Damaged Landmark: Mazar-i-Sharif’s Blue Mosque
- Rescue Efforts: Ongoing, with Afghan Red Crescent and local authorities on-site
As Afghanistan reels from yet another natural disaster, the scenes of destruction from Mazar-i-Sharif serve as a grim reminder of the country’s seismic fragility. With rescue operations still underway, officials fear the death toll could rise. The coming days will be crucial as relief teams race against time to locate survivors, restore essential services, and help a traumatized population recover from yet another blow.