Key Facts
• A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck northern Afghanistan on November 3, 2025.
• At least 20 people were killed, and over 860 injured, per WHO.
• The earthquake’s epicenter was near Mazar-i-Sharif, with a depth of 28 km.
• The historic Blue Mosque, a key Islamic heritage site, sustained damage.
• Rescue operations are ongoing, with survivors pulled from rubble.
• Power outages affected at least nine provinces, including Kabul.
• Damage to power lines from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan caused blackouts.
• The UN has deployed teams for emergency aid and damage assessment.
• Afghanistan’s disaster response capacity remains weak due to limited international aid.
• USGS models predict potential for hundreds of fatalities from this earthquake.
Summary
A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck northern Afghanistan near Mazar-i-Sharif on November 3, 2025, killing at least 20 people and injuring over 860. The historic Blue Mosque, a significant Islamic heritage site, was damaged. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with survivors being pulled from rubble. Power outages affected nine provinces, including Kabul, due to damaged power lines from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. The UN has dispatched teams to provide emergency aid. Afghanistan’s disaster response remains strained due to limited international support following the Taliban’s 2021 takeover. USGS models warn of potential for hundreds of fatalities.
