News Desk – At least 20 people were killed and 320 others injured after a strong 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit Afghanistan on Monday, according to the country’s health ministry.
The quake struck at a depth of 28 km near Mazar-e-Sharif, one of Afghanistan’s largest cities, the US Geological Survey reported. CCTV footage shared online captured the violent shaking, though its authenticity could not be verified.
Damage and Impact
Hospitals reported casualties from several areas as rescue operations began.
Part of the famous Blue Mosque (Shrine of Mazar-i-Sharif) was damaged in the quake, officials confirmed.
Many buildings and homes in the region were partially or completely destroyed.
Samim Joyanda, spokesperson for the Samangan health department, said the death toll may rise as more reports come in from remote areas.
Afghanistan lies on two major earthquake fault lines, making it one of the most quake-prone countries in the region.
