KABUL – A powerful earthquake struck Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region late Sunday night, causing widespread panic and significant damage across several provinces.
Reports said at least 9 people were killed and 150 others injured in various incidents triggered by the tremors.
The quake, which measured 6.3 on the Richter scale, was recorded at a depth of 28 kilometers, the US Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed.
Its epicenter was located about 22 kilometers southwest of Khulm district in Samangan province.
Residents in Mazar-i-Sharif and surrounding cities rushed out of their homes in fear as the tremors struck during the night. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes, with people gathering in open spaces, afraid their houses might collapse.
International media reported that residents fled their homes in the dark, seeking safety in fields and streets as aftershocks continued. Authorities have warned that the death toll may rise as rescue operations continue and damage assessments are carried out in remote areas.
The earthquake was also felt in neighboring countries, including Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran, highlighting the seismic intensity of the region.
Afghanistan has faced multiple devastating earthquakes in recent years. On August 31, a 6.0-magnitude quake claimed more than 2,000 lives, while in 2023, a series of 6.3-magnitude tremors and aftershocks resulted in at least 4,000 deaths across the country.
