Afghanistan is grappling with the aftermath of a severe 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck its northern region early Monday. The disaster has claimed the lives of at least seven people and left more than a hundred injured, with the city of Mazar-i-Sharif and the town of Khulm being among the most affected areas. The earthquake’s depth was recorded at 23 kilometers.
Compelling video evidence from security cameras shows the intense shaking and panic experienced during the seismic event. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has flagged the earthquake with an orange alert, indicating a substantial risk of fatalities and extensive damage that would necessitate a coordinated national and regional response.
This significant seismic activity occurred shortly after a smaller, 3.9 magnitude earthquake at a shallow depth. Shallow quakes are particularly dangerous, amplifying ground motion and structural vulnerability. The tremors were also felt across borders in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, underscoring the regional impact of this natural disaster.