Northern Afghanistan Reels as 6.3 Magnitude Quake Strikes, Damaging Historic Sites

A powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan in the early hours of November 3, 2025, delivering another severe blow to communities already struggling to recover from recent disasters. The seismic event, which occurred under the cover of darkness, prompted immediate fears of widespread casualties and structural collapse across the affected provinces.

The U.S. Geological Survey located the epicenter approximately 22 kilometers west of Khulm in Samangan Province, with the rupture occurring at a relatively shallow depth of 28 kilometers. This depth is known to intensify surface shaking, severely impacting local infrastructure. Initial reports confirmed a tragic toll, with the Afghan Health Ministry stating that at least 20 people were killed and over 534 others injured, figures officials warned were likely to increase as search and assessment operations progressed. The hardest-hit areas included Balkh and Samangan provinces.

Visible damage quickly emerged, raising concerns for cultural preservation. In Balkh Province, the historic Blue Mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif sustained visible harm, with reports indicating that sections of one of its prominent minarets partially collapsed. This latest tremor compounds the ongoing regional vulnerability, following a devastating 6.0 magnitude earthquake in eastern Afghanistan on August 31, 2025, which claimed over 2,200 lives. The cumulative effect places immense strain on local resources.

In response to the escalating humanitarian crisis, the United Nations issued an urgent appeal seeking nearly $140 million USD. This funding is designated to provide essential support for the nearly half a million people whose lives have been upended by this most recent catastrophe. Rescue and emergency aid teams, including those from the Ministry of Defence, were deployed to transport the injured and assist affected families. Geological analysis confirms the region’s high seismicity, driven by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, suggesting residents must remain vigilant for subsequent aftershocks.