Powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake strikes Northern Afghanistan, triggering landslides and widespread damage

A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 struck northern Afghanistan early on November 3, 2025, causing severe shaking across the provinces of Samangan and Balkh. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the quake originated at a depth of approximately 28 kilometers near Mazar-e-Sharif, one of the country’s most populated urban centers. Afghan authorities reported at least 20 fatalities and more than 320 injuries, though rescue teams continue to search remote areas where the toll may rise.

The tremor lasted nearly 20 seconds and was felt as far as Kabul. It caused extensive structural damage, including the partial collapse of buildings and the destruction of infrastructure across the affected regions. One of the most notable impacts was the damage to the 15th-century Blue Mosque of Mazar-e-Sharif, a heritage structure known for its intricate tilework and historical significance.

The earthquake also triggered a landslide along the Samangan–Balkh highway, a vital transport corridor in northern Afghanistan. Large rocks and debris blocked traffic lanes, trapping vehicles and passengers. Local reports indicate that portions of the highway remain closed while engineering teams work to clear the blockage and stabilize slopes.

Afghanistan sits atop two active tectonic fault systems, making it highly susceptible to seismic activity. This latest event follows a series of destructive earthquakes in 2025, including one in August that killed over 2,000 people in the country’s southeast. The USGS issued an “orange alert” for the recent event, suggesting significant casualties and economic losses.

Emergency teams from the Afghan Red Crescent and local agencies have been deployed to assist with rescue and recovery operations. Hospitals in nearby provinces were placed on alert to manage the influx of injured residents. Authorities emphasized the need for long-term geotechnical assessments to better understand slope stability, subsurface conditions, and fault behavior in the affected areas.

More on the deadly earthquake in the following video.