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KABUL – Survivors of a 6.3 magnitude earthquake in northern Afghanistan are grappling with the aftermath, digging through the rubble of their destroyed homes after spending a bitterly cold night outdoors. The quake, which struck just before 1 a.m. Monday near Khulm in Samangan province, has killed at least 21 people and injured over 800, with 25 in serious condition.
In addition to the human toll, the earthquake caused significant damage to historical landmarks, including the centuries-old Blue Mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif and the 19th-century Bagh-e-Jahan Nama Palace in Khulm. The mosque’s minaret was badly damaged, tiles fell from walls, and cracks appeared across the structure, while parts of the palace collapsed, raising urgent concerns about restoration ahead of winter rains.
Local residents reported aftershocks throughout Monday and Tuesday, forcing many to remain outdoors in freezing conditions. “We spent the night in the open ground, our children were sick in the morning, and our homes were completely destroyed,” said Asadullah Samangani, a resident of Khulm. Aid agencies have provided tents and basic supplies, but survivors say women and children face the greatest hardship.
Rescue operations continue in the affected regions, with the World Health Organization reporting partial damage to several health facilities, including the collapse of a laboratory at Samangan Provincial Hospital. Afghanistan’s mountainous and impoverished regions, often home to poorly built mud and brick homes, face persistent challenges in responding to natural disasters.
The quake follows another deadly tremor in August in eastern Afghanistan that killed over 2,200 people, highlighting the nation’s vulnerability to seismic events.
