KABUL: A powerful earthquake jolted Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region, leaving more than 20 people dead and around 320 injured.
According to media reports, tremors were felt in Mazar-e-Sharif and several other cities. The quake caused widespread panic, with residents rushing out of their homes in the middle of the night, fearing buildings might collapse. Officials have warned that the death toll could rise as rescue operations continue.
The quake also caused severe damage to houses and infrastructure. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake measured 6.3 on the Richter scale, with a depth of 28 kilometers. Its epicenter was located about 22 kilometers southwest of Khulm district in Samangan province.
Reports indicate that tremors were also felt in neighboring countries including Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran.
It is noteworthy that Afghanistan experienced a 6.0 magnitude earthquake on August 31 this year, killing over 2,000 people, while in 2023, a series of 6.3 magnitude quakes and aftershocks claimed at least 4,000 lives.
