Powerful 6.3-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Northern Afghanistan — Dozens Dead, Blue Mosque Damaged

Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan — November 3, 2025
A powerful earthquake shook northern Afghanistan in the early hours of Monday, leaving at least 20 people dead and hundreds injured, according to local authorities and aid organizations. The 6.3-magnitude quake struck near the city of Khulm in Balkh Province, toppling buildings and causing widespread panic across the region.

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⚠️ Strong Quake Hits Before Dawn

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake occurred around 2:10 a.m. local time, with its epicenter located approximately 22 kilometers west-southwest of Khulm at a depth of 28 kilometers.
The tremors were felt across neighboring provinces, including Samangan and Kunduz, shaking homes and disrupting electricity supplies.

Residents described the quake as one of the most intense they had felt in years. “The ground moved like waves, and the walls started cracking,” said a resident of Mazar-i-Sharif.

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🏚️ Damage and Casualties

Preliminary reports confirm at least 20 deaths, though officials warn the toll may rise as rescue teams reach remote villages cut off by landslides.

• Hundreds of people were injured, many suffering from fractures and head injuries.

• The historic Blue Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif, one of Afghanistan’s most famous landmarks, sustained visible cracks and partial facade damage.

• Power lines collapsed, and roads leading to several mountain communities are currently blocked, delaying rescue operations.

Images and videos shared on social media show collapsed mud-brick houses and residents digging through rubble with bare hands.

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🌍 Why Afghanistan Is So Vulnerable

Afghanistan sits on several major fault lines, making it prone to deadly earthquakes. Poor construction standards, especially in rural areas, often lead to high casualties even from moderate tremors.
This latest quake comes just weeks before the onset of harsh winter weather, raising concerns about shelter and emergency relief for displaced families.

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🆘 International Response

The United Nations and several humanitarian groups have launched emergency assessments and appeals for aid.
The World Food Programme (WFP) and Red Crescent are mobilizing teams to deliver food, tents, and medical supplies.
Foreign governments are being urged to contribute to the relief effort as search-and-rescue operations continue across Balkh and Samangan.

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📸 Images from the Scene

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🔑 Keywords for SEO

Primary keywords: Afghanistan earthquake 2025, 6.3 magnitude earthquake Afghanistan, Balkh Province quake, Blue Mosque Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan rescue operations.
Secondary keywords: Afghan disaster news, UN earthquake appeal, humanitarian aid Afghanistan.

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📰 Sources

• Reuters — Powerful 6.3 Quake Kills at Least 20 in Afghanistan

• The Guardian — Blue Mosque Damaged in Mazar-i-Sharif Quake

• AP News — UN Launches Emergency Appeal for Afghan Quake Survivors

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