Resilience Tested: Afghanistan Shaken by Another Severe Earthquake
A 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan, killing at least 10 and injuring hundreds. The epicenter was near Khulm, causing significant damage, particularly in Balkh and Samangan provinces. The quake affected cultural sites like Mazar-e-Sharif’s Blue Mosque. Rescue operations are underway, with the UN providing urgent aid.
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- Afghanistan
A powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake rocked northern Afghanistan early Monday, resulting in at least 10 fatalities and hundreds of injuries, according to officials. The tremor's epicenter was 22 kilometers west-southwest of Khulm, striking at 12:59 am with a depth of 28 kilometers, reports the US Geological Survey.
The quake severely impacted the provinces of Balkh and Samangan, prompting the Afghan Ministry of Defence to dispatch rescue and emergency teams. Most injuries were minor, with many discharged after initial treatment. The historic Blue Mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif sustained damage, a major cultural loss for Afghanistan.
This earthquake closely follows a more devastating one in eastern Afghanistan, highlighting the country's vulnerability to seismic activity. The United Nations is actively assessing needs while providing aid to those affected. Recent earthquakes emphasize the construction fragility in rural Afghan regions, making recovery efforts even more challenging.
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