10 dead, 260 injured in Afghanistan earthquake

A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck Mazar-e Sharif in Afghanistan on Monday, November 3, 2025, killing no fewer than 10 people and injuring about 260.

The United States Geological Survey said the earthquake hit at a depth of 28 km (17.4 miles) near Mazar-e Sharif, which has a population of about 523,000.

The Afghan Taliban defence ministry said parts of Balkh and Samangan provinces were the most affected, resulting in fatalities among a number of citizens.

The ministry, in a statement, said military Rescue and emergency assistance teams reached the area immediately and began operations to rescue people, transport the injured, and assist affected families.

Over 800 dead, 2,800 injured in Afghanistan earthquake

Health ministry spokesperson Sharfat Zaman said rescue teams were active and the numbers of dead and injured might rise.

“Health teams have arrived in the area, and all nearby hospitals have been put on standby,” Zaman said in a statement.

The USGS issued an orange alert in its PAGER system, which is an automated system that produces information on the impact of earthquakes, and indicated that “significant casualties are likely and the disaster is potentially widespread”.

The Star