Kabul — Northern Afghanistan Shaken by Powerful Quake
A devastating 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan late Monday night, leaving dozens dead and hundreds injured across the Balkh and Samangan provinces. The tremor, which was felt as far as Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, sent people fleeing into the streets in panic.
Local authorities confirmed that several villages near Mazar-e-Sharif suffered severe damage, with homes, mosques, and markets reduced to rubble. Search and rescue operations are underway as officials warn that the death toll could rise.
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Rescue Efforts Underway
Emergency response teams, along with local volunteers, have been working tirelessly to pull survivors from collapsed buildings. Many remote villages remain cut off due to damaged roads, making rescue operations extremely difficult.
According to Afghanistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), more than 300 houses have been destroyed so far. The agency has requested urgent international assistance, including medical supplies, tents, and food packages.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Hospitals in Mazar-e-Sharif are struggling to cope with the influx of injured people. Medical staff have set up makeshift treatment areas outside hospitals to handle the overflow. International relief agencies, including the Red Crescent and UN humanitarian teams, are coordinating with local officials to provide immediate aid.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing families digging through debris with bare hands to find missing loved ones. “It felt like the ground exploded under us,” said Ahmad Shah, a resident of Samangan. “Our homes are gone, but we are thankful to be alive.”
Regional Response and Support
Pakistan’s Foreign Office and NDMA have expressed condolences and pledged support to Afghanistan, promising emergency relief assistance and coordination across the border. Neighboring countries, including Iran and China, have also offered humanitarian aid.
Analysts note that Afghanistan remains one of the most vulnerable countries to earthquakes due to its location on several seismic fault lines, compounded by poor infrastructure and a fragile economy.
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A History of Tragedy
This latest quake adds to a series of deadly earthquakes that have struck Afghanistan in recent years. In 2023, a similar earthquake in Herat Province killed more than 1,000 people. The recurring disasters have highlighted the urgent need for earthquake-resistant housing and stronger early-warning systems.
Experts continue to warn that without long-term planning, Afghanistan will remain at risk of further large-scale destruction whenever such disasters occur.
Conclusion
As rescue workers dig through the debris, the people of northern Afghanistan face yet another humanitarian challenge. The latest earthquake serves as a grim reminder of the country’s ongoing struggle with poverty, weak infrastructure, and natural calamities.
As reported earlier by Pashto Times, the international community is urged to step up its assistance to ensure timely relief and rebuild hope for the affected families.
