Earthquake kills five, injures 143 in northern Afghanistan

A significant earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale has struck northern Afghanistan, claiming at least five lives and injuring 143 people. The seismic event occurred in the early hours of Monday near the major urban center of Mazar-e-Sharif, causing both casualties and substantial financial losses across the affected region.

Timing and Seismic Details

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the tremor originated at approximately 1:00 AM local time at a shallow depth of 28 kilometers (17.4 miles). Its proximity to Mazar-e-Sharif, one of Afghanistan's most populous cities, raised the potential for significant impact, which was confirmed by initial damage assessments from the disaster zone.

Initial Damage Assessment

According to reports from TOLO News citing the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority, the quake resulted in considerable financial losses alongside the human toll. The combination of fatalities, injuries, and material destruction presents a serious challenge to local emergency response capabilities in the already vulnerable region.

A Region Vulnerable to Seismic Activity

Northern Afghanistan, situated in a seismically active zone, has experienced destructive earthquakes in the past. The latest tremor underscores the persistent natural disaster risks facing the country, where infrastructure is often ill-equipped to withstand such powerful geological events, frequently leading to disproportionate casualties and damage.