Deadly 6.3 Magnitude Quake Hits Afghanistan; Widespread Impact Feared

A substantial 6.3 magnitude earthquake jolted Afghanistan on Monday, leading to concerns about a significant number of casualties. The earthquake’s epicenter was located at a depth of 23 kilometers, impacting regions including Mazar-i-Sharif and Khulm. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has warned of potential widespread devastation and loss of life, issuing an ‘orange alert’ that indicates the disaster could require a large-scale, national-level response. Residents described being woken by the violent shaking, with reports of damaged homes and shattered windows. This major earthquake comes on the heels of a previous 3.9 magnitude tremor that struck at a shallower depth earlier in the day, a factor that often exacerbates earthquake impacts. The seismic activity was also perceptible in neighboring countries such as Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, highlighting the broad reach of this significant natural disaster.