Deadly Quake Hit Northern Afghanistan, Dozens Died, Hundreds Injured
DID Press: A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck Samangan and several northern provinces of Afghanistan early Monday, November 3. The quake collapsed Tashqurghan Pass along Samangan–Mazar-e-Sharif highway. According to reports, at least 20 people died and over 200 others were injured. Khulm police command confirmed that four bodies and several wounded have so far been transferred to the hospital, but search and rescue operations are ongoing and the death toll may rise.
Eyewitnesses reported widespread destruction in local markets and mud-brick homes.
The earthquake, estimated at around 5 to 5.5 magnitude in some areas, was also felt in Mazar-e-Sharif, causing panic and power outages in parts of the city.
Reports indicate that the main Samangan–Mazar highway is completely blocked, complicating the transfer of the injured to medical facilities. Police teams, rescue units, and Red Crescent workers have been deployed to the affected area. Afghan Red Crescent announced that assessment teams are already on site and urged residents not to return to damaged homes.
Local sources reported heavy damage to homes and shops in Khulm district and surrounding areas. Telephone communication was disrupted in parts of the region for some time but is gradually returning.
Geologists say Afghanistan lies in a seismically active zone, and weak construction practices, lack of emergency equipment, and absence of an early-warning system turn every earthquake into a humanitarian crisis. On September 9 this year, a powerful quake in eastern Afghanistan—especially Kunar province—killed at least 2,000 people and caused extensive destruction. Last year, an earthquake in Herat province left over 1,000 people dead.
Last night’s earthquake in the north once again highlights the country’s structural vulnerability to natural disasters.
As rescue and debris-removal operations continue, officials are expected to provide final casualty figures and damage assessments in the coming hours.