Overview
- Afghanistan’s health ministry reported at least 20 dead and about 320 injured, while the national disaster agency cited nine fatalities with separate tallies from Samangan and Balkh.
- The epicenter was near Mazar‑i‑Sharif at a depth of about 28 kilometers after an initial USGS estimate of 10 kilometers was revised.
- The shaking was felt roughly 300 kilometers away in Kabul, according to AFP correspondents.
- Local officials said parts of Mazar‑i‑Sharif’s Blue Mosque were damaged as residents fled buildings during the night.
- Rescue and medical teams have been deployed and nearby hospitals placed on standby, with officials cautioning that assessments remain preliminary.