KABUL, Afghanistan —
Fear and devastation struck before sunrise on Monday as a powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake rattled the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif, toppling homes and leaving families desperate for help.
Officials confirm at least 10 lives lost and around 260 people injured — but rescuers warn the numbers may rise as they continue digging through rubble.
The quake hit 28 km deep, according to the US Geological Survey. The sudden shaking sent shockwaves across Balkh and Samangan provinces, where thousands woke up to screams, dust, and collapsing walls.
Samim Joyanda, spokesperson for Samangan province’s health department, said hospitals quickly filled with the injured — many of them carried by neighbors and volunteers.
“Seven have been martyred and 150 injured as of this morning,” he said, noting that more reports were being collected.
Rush to Save Survivors
The Taliban defense ministry said military rescue teams arrived within minutes — pulling survivors from destroyed homes, transporting the wounded, and providing emergency support for affected families.
Health ministry spokesperson Sharfat Zaman warned that the situation remains unstable:
“Rescue teams are active… hospitals are on full standby. The toll may increase.”
The USGS issued an orange alert, signaling significant casualties and potentially widespread destruction.
A Region at Constant Risk
Afghanistan sits on two active geological fault lines, making it one of the most earthquake-prone areas in the world.
Just in late August, a deadly quake in the southeast killed over 2,200 people, leaving communities still struggling to rebuild.
Monday’s quake also caused damage to the iconic Blue Mosque — the sacred Mazar-i-Sharif shrine — heartbreaking news for many who consider it a spiritual cornerstone.
Scenes of Heartbreak
Videos shared on social media show rescuers digging through collapsed buildings, searching for survivors — and sometimes finding tragedy. One clip appeared to show lifeless bodies pulled from debris, though these scenes could not immediately be verified.
Families are still outside, afraid to return to their homes.
Children cling to parents.
Citizens pray the aftershocks end soon.
In a country already worn down by conflict and hardship — another disaster has struck.
And once again, the Afghan people are left to pick up the pieces, together.
