Mon Nov 03 13:38:38 UTC 2025: Summary:

A 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan, centered near Khulm, killing at least 20 and injuring over 500. The provinces of Balkh and Samangan were the hardest hit, with rescue and emergency teams deployed to the area. Hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed in Badakhshan province as well. Initial reports indicate most injuries are minor, but the lack of internet in remote areas makes accurate casualty assessments difficult.

News Article:

Afghanistan Reels After 6.3 Magnitude Earthquake Leaves Dozens Dead, Hundreds Injured

Kabul, Afghanistan – A powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake rocked northern Afghanistan early Monday morning, leaving a trail of devastation and claiming the lives of at least 20 people, according to the Ministry of Public Health. Over 500 individuals have been reported injured, with fears the number could rise as rescue efforts continue.

The quake, with its epicenter located 22km west-southwest of Khulm at a depth of 28km, struck at 12:59 am local time (20:29 GMT on Sunday). The provinces of Balkh and Samangan bore the brunt of the seismic activity, with hospitals in the region overwhelmed with casualties.

“We have received reports of 534 injured people and 20 fatalities at hospitals in Balkh and Samangan provinces,” said Sharafat Zaman, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health. “Rescuers are on the scene, and these figures are subject to change.”

In the nearby province of Badakhshan, the quake caused significant damage, destroying or damaging around 800 homes in a single village in the Shahr-e-Bozorg district. However, Ihsanullah Kamgar, spokesperson for the provincial police headquarters, cited limited internet connectivity in the remote area as hindering accurate casualty assessment.

The Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority reported that the majority of injuries appeared to be minor, with many treated and discharged. However, the Defence Ministry has mobilized rescue and emergency teams to the affected areas, focusing on Balkh and Samangan, providing medical assistance and transporting the injured to hospitals.

A rockslide briefly blocked a key mountain highway connecting Kabul and Mazar-i-Sharif, disrupting rescue efforts, but authorities have since cleared the road.
The situation remains fluid as rescue operations continue, and authorities work to assess the full extent of the damage and provide aid to those affected by the earthquake.

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