A powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Mazar-e-Sharif in Afghanistan’s Balkh province, causing severe damage to the iconic Blue Mosque and surrounding buildings. Local officials, including province spokesperson Haji Zaid, confirmed heavy structural losses and described the day as deeply tragic, with at least seven killed and over 150 injured so far.
The Blue Mosque, a sacred site for millions of Muslims worldwide and reputed resting place of Hazrat Ali, suffered significant destruction. Social media footage verified by reporters shows debris and shattered glass at the mosque’s entrance, intensifying calls among the global Muslim community for urgent protection and restoration initiatives. Shock and sorrow have been echoed throughout the region and beyond, with many taking to social channels to plead for help and solidarity.
The quake’s impact was felt across neighboring countries, including Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and as far as the Indian capital Delhi. The US Geological Survey recorded five aftershocks in the area, with the strongest reaching a magnitude of 5.2, prompting widespread panic as residents rushed from their homes in fear.
USGS flagged an orange alert—indicating a high likelihood of significant human and economic loss—with experts predicting a need for a national or regional relief mobilization. Survivors report terrifying scenes amid the night; a retired teacher from Mazar-e-Sharif recounted children screaming and damage to her home but was thankful for its sturdy construction. Many rural homes made from mud may not have survived, raising concerns about casualties in less developed villages.
This quake comes in the wake of two deadly earthquakes in Afghanistan during the past fifteen months: a 6.0 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,200 in August, and a 6.3 magnitude event claimed upwards of 2,000 lives in western provinces in October 2023. The scale of destruction underscores Afghanistan’s vulnerability to seismic disasters and amplifies the urgency of international disaster relief and rebuilding efforts.