Earthquake Shakes Afghanistan: Blue Mosque Damaged

A powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan, killing at least 20 people and injuring over 640, officials confirmed. The historic Blue Mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif sustained damage, although its structure remains intact.

Amidst the destruction in Khulm near the epicentre, residents worked through the debris of collapsed homes to salvage belongings. Officials have cautioned that casualty numbers may rise as rescue efforts continue.

Given Afghanistan's challenging terrain, response efforts are hampered, particularly in remote areas. The Taliban leadership is facilitating aid deployment, while global organizations are assessing needs on the ground to support affected communities.