Mazar-i-Sharif, November 23, 2025 :
A powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Mazar-i-Sharif early today, causing widespread devastation across northern Afghanistan. The tremor, which jolted residents before dawn, has left at least 20 people dead and hundreds injured, according to local authorities.
Emergency teams report significant structural damage in several districts, with numerous homes reduced to rubble. One of the most severely affected landmarks is the historic Blue Mosque, a cherished cultural and religious symbol of Afghanistan, which suffered visible cracks and structural damage.
Hospitals across the region are overwhelmed as injured residents continue to arrive. Rescue workers are racing to reach people reportedly trapped under debris, while aftershocks have heightened fears of further collapse.
Local officials have appealed for urgent international aid, highlighting the limited resources available to manage a disaster of this scale. Humanitarian organizations have begun mobilizing support as the full extent of the destruction continues to unfold.
The quake comes at a time when Afghanistan is already grappling with economic hardship and unstable infrastructure, raising concerns about the country’s ability to recover quickly.
