6.3 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Northern Afghanistan, 20 Dead, Hundreds Injured
Kabul, Afghanistan — November 4, 2025: A powerful earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale struck northern Afghanistan early Sunday morning, leaving at least 20 dead and over 530 injured. The tremor hit around 1 AM local time, with its epicentre near Mazar-e-Sharif, the country’s fourth-largest city.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake triggered an orange alert, indicating a high likelihood of significant casualties. The Taliban government’s health ministry confirmed the injury toll, while local officials in Balkh province reported extensive damage in Sholagara district.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as residents fled their homes in fear. Many injuries were caused by people falling from buildings during the tremor. Social media posts from the region showed collapsed structures and emergency responders aiding the wounded.
This latest seismic event adds to the region’s vulnerability, highlighting the urgent need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness in Afghanistan’s quake-prone zones.
