Powerful Earthquake Rocks Afghanistan; 20 Dead, 320 Injured

A powerful earthquake hit several parts of Afghanistan, causing multiple buildings to collapse. At least 20 people were killed and more than 320 others were injured, according to local officials. The quake, measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale, struck the Hindu Kush mountain region. According to the Seismological Center, the epicenter was located about 45 kilometers from Mazar-e-Sharif at a depth of 12 kilometers. Strong tremors were felt in Mazar-e-Sharif, Kunduz, Balkh, Takhar, and Kabul, prompting panic among residents. Dozens of houses and buildings were reduced to rubble, while rescue teams have begun search and relief operations in the affected areas. According to international news agencies, the tremors were also felt in Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Iran. Afghan authorities have warned that the death toll may rise, as rescue operations are facing challenges in reaching remote and mountainous regions. The quake struck late at night, causing residents to rush out of their homes and spend several hours in open spaces out of fear of aftershocks. It is worth noting that on August 31, 2025, a previous earthquake in Afghanistan had killed more than 2,000 people and injured hundreds.