A Devastating 6.3-Magnitude Quake Strikes Afghanistan, Leaving Dozens Dead and Hundreds Injured
A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 struck northern Afghanistan early Monday morning, leaving at least 20 people dead and hundreds more injured, according to officials. The quake was so severe that it triggered widespread destruction, left millions without power, and caused significant damage to iconic landmarks in the region.
The epicenter of the quake was located in the Nakhchir district of Samangan province, with the earthquake also causing a landslide on the Samangan-Balkh highway, trapping cars and passengers. Videos shared on social media showed massive rocks blocking the highway and a truck engulfed in flames.
Rescue efforts are underway, with multiple hospitals in the affected region being put on standby to deal with the emergency. The Afghan Health Ministry has reported over 20 confirmed deaths, while hundreds more have been injured.
The quake was so powerful that it was felt in the capital city of Kabul and other provinces, prompting fears of mass casualties. The US Geological Survey designated the earthquake a "code orange," indicating significant casualties and extensive economic losses were likely.
Dr. Tedros Adhonom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization, expressed his condolences to those who lost loved ones in the deadly quake, with the agency's team on the ground supporting delivery of emergency health care to those affected.
This latest quake is just one of several devastating earthquakes to hit Afghanistan in recent years. In August, a massive quake struck eastern Afghanistan, killing over 2,000 people and leaving many more displaced and without access to basic necessities.
The impact of Monday's earthquake will be felt for days to come as rescue efforts continue and the full extent of the damage becomes clear.
A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 struck northern Afghanistan early Monday morning, leaving at least 20 people dead and hundreds more injured, according to officials. The quake was so severe that it triggered widespread destruction, left millions without power, and caused significant damage to iconic landmarks in the region.
The epicenter of the quake was located in the Nakhchir district of Samangan province, with the earthquake also causing a landslide on the Samangan-Balkh highway, trapping cars and passengers. Videos shared on social media showed massive rocks blocking the highway and a truck engulfed in flames.
Rescue efforts are underway, with multiple hospitals in the affected region being put on standby to deal with the emergency. The Afghan Health Ministry has reported over 20 confirmed deaths, while hundreds more have been injured.
The quake was so powerful that it was felt in the capital city of Kabul and other provinces, prompting fears of mass casualties. The US Geological Survey designated the earthquake a "code orange," indicating significant casualties and extensive economic losses were likely.
Dr. Tedros Adhonom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization, expressed his condolences to those who lost loved ones in the deadly quake, with the agency's team on the ground supporting delivery of emergency health care to those affected.
This latest quake is just one of several devastating earthquakes to hit Afghanistan in recent years. In August, a massive quake struck eastern Afghanistan, killing over 2,000 people and leaving many more displaced and without access to basic necessities.
The impact of Monday's earthquake will be felt for days to come as rescue efforts continue and the full extent of the damage becomes clear.
just heard about this devastating earthquake in Afghanistan... my heart goes out to all those affected 
can't even imagine what it must be like to experience that kind of trauma & loss of life 
millions without power, iconic landmarks destroyed... it's heartbreaking 
hope the rescue efforts are able to reach everyone in need & provide some comfort during this dark time 
. But at the same time, I'm worried about the rescue efforts and how they're going to reach all those affected areas... we can't just sit back and wait for them to figure it out 
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This is so heartbreaking 
. I mean, what can you even do in situations like this? The US Geological Survey saying it was a code orange... that means we're looking at some serious casualties and economic losses 
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. I hope Dr. Tedros Adhonom Ghebreyesus' team can get there soon with medical supplies and help. We need to support the Afghan Health Ministry and all the rescue efforts, no doubt about it 
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This is getting outta hand, a 6.3-mag quake in Afghanistan? That's insane! 20 people dead and hundreds injured? The highway was even blocked by a landslide... imagine being stuck with no way to escape. And it's not like this is the first time, we've had massive quakes in that area before 
. What's going on with this region? Can't a country just get some peace? 
The fact that rescue efforts are underway and there's a team on the ground helping with emergency healthcare is giving me hope. But at the same time, it's crazy to think about how many more people could be affected by this and how long it'll take for things to get back to normal. 
Can't wait to see some progress soon! 
. but seriously, when will this cycle of disasters end in afghanistan? 
it's always devastating when natural disasters hit like this. hope the rescue efforts are going well and people get the help they need soon 
also can't believe how powerful that quake was, felt in Kabul already?! what's going on with these quakes in Afghanistan tho? 2k+ dead just a few months ago... is it getting worse or is it just really unlucky 
. I'm just hoping for the best and that rescue efforts can be as swift as possible 
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and what's even more heartbreaking is that this isn't an isolated incident 
This latest disaster is a stark reminder of the seismic vulnerability of Afghanistan, which has been exacerbated by decades of conflict, neglect, and infrastructure degradation 
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. The humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region will require sustained international support and cooperation to address the medical, food, and shelter needs of those affected 
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It's not just the ppl who die or get hurt, it's also the economy and infrastructure... it's like they're trying to break themselves 
) to the afghani ppl who are suffering right now 
hope the aid pours in soon 
But seriously, what can you do? The US is on it, and WHO too, but still... how many times gotta Afghanistan get hit by these disasters?! 