A powerful 6.3magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan early Monday, killing at least seven people and injuring approximately 150, authorities said.
The quake’s epicentre was near the city of Mazar‑e‑Sharif in Balkh Province, with tremors felt in neighbouring Samangan Province. Rescue teams were dispatched to mountainous villages as local officials warned the death toll could rise given the region’s remote terrain and weak building infrastructure.
Afghanistan lies on the boundary of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates, making it one of the most earthquake‑prone countries in the world. Earthquakes of this magnitude have repeatedly caused significant casualties and damage, particularly in poorly built rural settlements with mud‑brick homes.
Authorities urged residents to stay away from damaged structures, avoid travelling on unstable roads, and heed updates via official channels as they begin assessments of damage, clear debris and restore lifelines to the affected areas.
