Afghanistan hit by powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake, raising fears of mass deaths

A powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan early Monday local time, according to the USGS and local authorities, raising fears of mass casualties and the need for a response.

“According to initial information, the magnitude of the earthquake was greater than 6 degrees and the epicenter occurred in Nakhchir district of Samangan province,” Afghanistan’s National Disaster Management Authority said in a statement.

Samim Joyenda, spokesperson for the health department in the northern province of Samangan, told News themezone that as of early morning, at least 150 people had been injured and seven had died in the earthquake.

Joyenda said the death toll could rise as search and rescue operations continue.

Meanwhile, Haji Zahid, spokesman for Balkh province, also in the north, shared a video on X showing people digging with shovels to rescue survivors.

“In Shulgarah district of Balkh, we have suffered financial losses. Many people have been injured and 4 people have been confirmed dead,” he wrote.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported a magnitude of 6.3 with a depth of 28.0 kilometers (about 17 miles) and designated the earthquake as “code orange,” indicating that significant casualties and large economic losses are likely, requiring a nationwide response, the USGS said.

The videos released appear to show the shaking lasting almost 20 seconds, and the earthquake was so powerful that people felt it in the capital of Kabul and other provinces.

The earthquake also triggered a landslide on the Samangan-Balkh highway, a key transportation route, trapping cars and passengers. Videos shared on social media show huge rocks blocking the road and a truck engulfed in flames.

Monday’s earthquake was the most recent in the region. More than 2,000 people died when an earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan in August. Most of those affected still live in tents, according to a recent United Nations report.