At Least 10 Killed in 6.3 Magnitude Quake in Afghanistan

On the early morning of November 3, at least 10 people were killed and around 260 were injured as a result of a powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake that occurred near the city of Mazar-i-Sharif in northern Afghanistan. Authorities warn that the death toll is likely to rise.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at a depth of 28 km (17.4 miles) near the city of Mazar-i-Sharif, which has a population of about 523,000. According to Samim Joyanda, a spokesman for the Samangan provincial health department, 150 injured people and 7 dead bodies were taken to hospitals as of this morning. The data is based on information received from hospitals on Monday morning.

The Ministry of Defense of the local authorities reported that some districts in Balkh and Samangan provinces were the most affected, resulting in casualties. Military rescue and emergency teams immediately went to the scene, beginning work to rescue people, transport the injured, and support affected families.

Health Ministry spokesman Sharafat Zaman noted that rescue teams are actively working, and the number of dead and injured may increase. "Health teams have reached the area, and all nearby hospitals have been put on alert," his statement said.

The U.S. Geological Survey has issued an "orange" alert, which means that "significant casualties are likely and the disaster could be widespread." In the past, events with this level of alert have required a regional or national level response.

According to Haji Zaid, a spokesman for Balkh province, the Mazar-i-Sharif shrine, the famous Blue Mosque, was partially damaged by the earthquake.

Videos have spread on social media showing rescuers pulling people out from under the rubble. In one video, rescuers appear to be removing bodies from the ruins.

Afghanistan is located in a seismically active zone and is vulnerable to earthquakes. At the end of August, an earthquake and strong aftershocks in the country's southeast killed more than 2,200 people and injured thousands.