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21h ago

Powerful 6.3 Quake Strikes Northern Afghanistan Near Mazar-i-Sharif, Leaving At Least Seven Dead

Officials warn of significant impact under an active USGS orange alert.

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Houses damaged by a deadly earthquake that struck Afghanistan's Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, at Masud village in Nurgal district, Kunar province, Afghanistan, September 4, 2025. REUTERS/Sayed Hassib
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Overview

  • USGS measured a magnitude 6.3 earthquake near Khulm (Kholm) close to Mazar-i-Sharif at 12:59 a.m. local time, later confirming a depth of about 28 kilometers.
  • Provincial health officials reported at least seven deaths and roughly 150 injuries, while national tallies vary and authorities caution that figures may change as reports come in.
  • Balkh authorities said part of Mazar-i-Sharif’s Blue Mosque was damaged, with images and clips of debris circulating on social media, some of which remain unverified.
  • The USGS PAGER system issued an orange alert, estimating 100–1,000 potential fatalities and noting that events at this level typically require a regional or national response.
  • Shaking was felt from Kabul into Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Iran, with rescue and assessment efforts ongoing after reports of aftershocks, including one up to magnitude 5.2.