Why it matters:
Afghanistan is still reeling from a series of deadly earthquakes that struck earlier this year, killing more than 2,000 people. The country’s fragile infrastructure and limited emergency response capacity have left it particularly vulnerable to natural disasters.
The big picture:
The 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck at 12:59 a.m. local time at a depth of about 28 kilometers (17 miles), according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The USGS issued an “orange alert,” indicating a high likelihood of casualties and widespread damage. Residents of Mazar-i-Sharif fled their homes in panic as strong tremors shook the city.
Key points:
- The earthquake struck near Mazar-i-Sharif in Balkh Province.
- At least 30 people have been confirmed dead and 250 injured, according to local authorities.
- The Blue Mosque, one of Afghanistan’s most revered religious sites, sustained partial damage.
- The U.S. Geological Survey issued an orange-level alert, warning of potential widespread destruction.
- Emergency response teams have been deployed to the affected areas.
Go deeper:
Magnitude 5.8 jolts Afghanistan, Pakistan
M.Majdi - Hossein Vaez
