Tragedy strikes before dawn
In the early hours of Monday, November 3, 2025, a powerful earthquake registering magnitude 6.3 struck northern Afghanistan near the city of Mazar‑e‑Sharif, killing at least 20 people and injuring hundreds more.
The quake’s epicentre was located approximately 22 km west-southwest of Khulm in Balkh province at a depth of around 28 km, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Regions hit hardest, buildings collapse
The provinces of Balkh and Samangan suffered the greatest damage. In Balkh, officials reported seven deaths and more than 400 injured; in Samangan, 11 fatalities were confirmed along with hundreds of injuries. The quake also damaged the renowned 15th-century Blue Mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif, with parts of its ornate facade and minaret collapsing. In more rural villages, as many as 800 homes were reported partially or completely destroyed, complicating rescue efforts.
A country vulnerable to seismic hazards
Afghanistan is located in a region where the Eurasian, Indian and Arabian plates interact, making it especially susceptible to earthquakes. The recent quake comes just months after a larger one in August that killed thousands, highlighting persistent vulnerabilities in construction and disaster preparedness.
Response and humanitarian concerns
Rescue teams from the country’s disaster-management agency and the ministry of defence have been deployed to the affected areas. Hospitals in the region were placed on high alert.
The United Nations and international aid groups have already begun coordinating assistance, warning that the approaching winter will complicate relief efforts—especially for the many families displaced by collapsed homes.
What to watch next
- The full extent of the toll: officials caution the death and injury figures are preliminary and expected to rise.
- Access to remote villages: damaged roads and landslides may delay deliveries of aid and assessments in hard-to-reach zones.
- Shelter and winter readiness: with snow and cold weather approaching, securing temporary housing and heating will be critical.
- International support: whether sanctions or funding constraints affecting the region will hamper the speed of relief and recovery efforts.
The takeaway
This latest quake is a stark reminder of Afghanistan’s persistent vulnerability to natural disasters, especially in a country already struggling with economic strain and infrastructure deficits. The immediate priority is rescue and relief—but the long-term challenge lies in rebuilding stronger, safer and more resilient communities in a region where earthquakes are unfortunately not rare.
