A massive 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit northern Afghanistan before dawn on Monday, killing at least 20 people and injuring over 640 others, including 25 gravely, according to a disaster management official. Health officials predicted the figures might grow. According to the US Geological Survey, the quake’s epicentre was 22 kilometres west-southwest of Khulm and struck at 12:59 a.m. at a depth of 28 kilometres.
Underdeveloped countries frequently struggle to respond to natural disasters, particularly in remote areas. Buildings are typically low-rise, composed primarily of concrete and brick, with residences in rural and remote areas constructed of mud bricks and wood, many of which are badly built.
Monday’s earthquake was also felt in Mazar-e-Sharif, the capital of northern Balkh province, according to Afghan officials, with footage on social media showing minor damage to the ancient Blue Mosque. Several bricks had fallen from the walls, but the mosque remained intact. The centuries-old site, one of Afghanistan’s most respected religious icons, is a popular gathering spot for Islamic and cultural events.
Qari Taj Mohammad Hemat, the deputy spokesman for Afghanistan’s National Disaster Management Authority, said the earthquake impacted Balkh, Samangan, Sar-e-Pul, and Kunduz provinces, killing 20 people and injuring 643 others, 25 of them were in serious condition.
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