UPDATE: A devastating 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan at 12:59 a.m. local time on October 7, 2023, killing at least 20 people and injuring over 640 others, officials report. The quake, centered 22 kilometers (14 miles) west-southwest of Khulm, has left communities in shock as they grapple with the aftermath.
Rescue efforts are urgently underway, with reports indicating that the numbers of casualties may rise as rescuers continue to sift through the rubble of collapsed homes. Eyewitnesses in Khulm described harrowing scenes as they dug through debris to recover belongings and, tragically, bodies. Local resident Ahmad Zia lamented, “We pulled the bodies of two people from the rubble, and their funerals will be held today.”
The historic Blue Mosque, a centuries-old religious landmark in Mazar-e-Sharif, suffered damage but remains standing. Footage circulating on social media shows bricks falling from its walls, raising concerns about the integrity of this revered site, particularly during the ongoing Islamic and cultural festivals.
Authorities confirm that the earthquake affected multiple provinces, including Balkh, Samangan, Sar-e-Pul, and Kunduz. The National Disaster Management Authority reported 643 injuries, with 25 people in critical condition receiving treatment in local hospitals. Rescuers are facing challenges due to the rural construction of many homes, which are often made of mud bricks and poorly built.
In the nearby Badakhshan province, 800 houses were reported destroyed in one village alone. Ihsanullah Kamgar, a spokesperson for provincial police, noted that accurate casualty figures remain elusive due to limited internet access in remote areas.
The Ministry of Defense announced that rescue teams have reached the most affected regions, providing medical assistance and transporting injured individuals to healthcare facilities. Zabihullah Mujahid, the chief spokesman for the Taliban government, confirmed that government organizations are mobilizing to deliver urgent aid.
The tremors were also felt in the capital, Kabul, where a rockslide temporarily blocked a major highway linking to Mazar-e-Sharif. Fortunately, the road has since reopened, allowing for the transport of injured individuals to hospitals.
In a show of solidarity, Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his condolences, stating, “Pakistan stands with the Afghan people in this difficult time.” His remarks come as the two nations navigate complex relations amid ongoing peace talks.
The United Nations has dispatched teams to assess the situation and deliver immediate aid. A statement from the UN emphasized their commitment to supporting affected communities.
This earthquake follows a recent devastating quake on August 31, which resulted in over 2,200 deaths in eastern Afghanistan. The urgent need for disaster response in a country already grappling with economic hardships and infrastructure challenges is more critical than ever.
As the situation develops, authorities urge communities to remain vigilant and to report any additional casualties or damage. Rescue teams continue to work tirelessly in hopes of delivering aid to those in desperate need. Further updates are expected as efforts unfold in the coming hours.
