Powerful Earthquake Strikes Afghanistan, Damages Historic Blue Mosque
In the early hours of Monday, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake rocked northern Afghanistan, taking a devastating toll on the populations of the Balkh and Samangan provinces. The quake left at least 20 people dead and has reportedly injured up to 830 people, according to different sources. The historic Blue Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif was also severely damaged, with debris scattered across its grounds and walls marred by cracks.
The Event and Its Impact
The earthquake occurred at a depth of 28 kilometers and its epicenter was located near Mazar-i-Sharif. The northern provinces of Balkh and Samangan were the worst hit, with a Ministry of Health spokesperson, Sharafat Zaman, sharing video messages showcasing the extent of the damage.
The quake comes just two months after another devastating earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, causing authorities to fear an increase in the preliminary death toll, as reported by Clarin. TOLOnews has already reported an increase in the number of victims, with the number of injured rising to 830.
Damage to Historic Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque, a 15th-century historic building in Mazar-i-Sharif, was severely impacted by the quake. The damage was visible in videos circulated by Al Jazeera English showing the debris on the ground and marked walls. The mosque is considered a cultural and political symbol for Afghanistan, and its destruction has added a layer of cultural loss to the tragedy.
Reactions and Aid
In the aftermath of the disaster, international condolences have been pouring in. Several countries as well as the European Union have offered their condolences and aid. TASS reported that Russia has pledged to provide more humanitarian aid to the quake-hit region.
The country’s national disaster management authority reported 20 deaths and 643 injured, revising down earlier figures reported by the state-run news agency Bakhtar, which had put the death toll of the overnight quake at 27, with more than 700 injured, according to the South China Morning Post.
Current Status
Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with teams working among the rubble to find survivors. The high number of injuries and the threat of increasing death tolls has put significant pressure on the health system and relief efforts. With the Blue Mosque damaged, a symbol of Afghanistan's rich history is now a poignant reminder of the earthquake's devastation.
As the region begins to recover, the international community's response and the resilience of the Afghan people will be crucial in overcoming the aftermath of this natural disaster.