At least 20 people were killed and hundreds injured or missing

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After a powerful earthquake struck northern Afghanistanon November 3, 2025.

Local media, citing officials, reported that the death toll had risen to at least 20, with approximately 320 others injured.

This latest update comes after Sharafat Zaman, an official at the Ministry of Health, stated earlier this morning that more than 260 injured and over 10 dead had been taken to hospitals, with rescue teams continuing their work in the area.

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Local sources had previously reported six deaths and about 70 injuries in Balkh, while dozens remained missing.

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The earthquake destroyed hundreds of homes and triggered a massive landslide on the Samangan-Balkh highway in the Tashgargan Valley, crushing vehicles and destroying several roadside shops, leaving travelers stranded overnight.

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The U.S. Geological Survey reported that a powerful 6.3

Magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan in the early hours of Monday morning, local time.

According to the survey agency, the epicenter was at a depth of 28 kilometers in a location not far from Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of Balkh, which is the fourth largest city in the country with a population of about 523,000.

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🔗 Sources & Further Reading

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USGS – Official Earthquake Data

Technical report confirming the 6.3‑magnitude quake, its depth, and epicenter near Balkh.

Al Jazeera – Afghanistan Earthquake Coverage

Regional on‑ground reporting with updates on casualties, landslides, and rescue missions.

BBC News – Afghanistan Earthquake Updates

Coverage of the destruction in Balkh and Samangan, rescue challenges, and humanitarian response.

Reuters – Casualty Updates & Damage Assessments

Latest confirmed casualty figures, missing persons, and infrastructure damage.

UN OCHA – Humanitarian Situation in Afghanistan

Background on Afghanistan’s fragile humanitarian situation, pre‑existing displacement, and aid shortages.

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