This earthquake in Afghanistan Balkh and Samangan region struck at shallow depth near Mazar-e-Sharif, causing loss of lives, injuries and serious destruction.
A powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Balkh and Samangan provinces of northern Afghanistan at around 1:00 am on November 3, 2025. Strong tremors were felt around the region of Mazar-e-Sharif. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake’s epicentre was within Balkh Province.
USGS has issued an orange alert for this quake which indicates high possibility of severe damage and significant casualties.
19 killed and 320 injured confirmed so far
According to initial assessments shared by Afghan Red Crescent Society, 19 people have lost their lives and around 320 others have been injured. These numbers are still being updated and officials have stated that the figures are likely to rise further as rescue teams reach more remote areas.
One of Afghanistan’s important historical sites, the Blue Mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif, has also recorded visible structural damage due to the shaking.
Balkh and Samangan worst impacted regions
Hospitals in the region have been placed on high alert to treat the incoming injured victims. Relief operations and medical response teams from Afghan Red Crescent Society have already reached the affected zones and emergency work has begun.
Experts note that because the earthquake was shallow in depth, the ground shaking intensity increased the vulnerability of mud and clay based residential structures.
Also Read: Diabetes at Work: Simple Tips to Stay Fit During Long Desk Hours
Afghanistan’s repeated seismic challenges
This earthquake comes shortly after previous destructive quakes in other parts of the country, adding more stress to an already fragile humanitarian situation. Afghanistan remains on a highly active fault-line and its weak infrastructure, poverty and limited disaster response capacities make recovery extremely complex.
Authorities have warned that aftershocks are expected and landslide risks remain high in mountainous pockets.
