At Least 20 Dead and Over 300 Injured After 6.3-Magnitude Earthquake with Casualty Figures ‘Likely to Rise’

At least 20 people have tragically lost their lives, and over 300 individuals have been left injured following a powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake that struck Afghanistan. The devastating seismic event occurred in the provinces of Samangan and Balkh on Monday, November 3. The casualty count is feared to escalate as rescue operations continue.

Reports indicate that the earthquake hit the city of Mazar-e Sharif at approximately 1:00 a.m. local time on Monday. The tremor, with a magnitude of 6.3, had a depth of 17 miles, according to sources such as the BBC, Sky News, and the Associated Press. The US Geological Survey issued an orange alert following the earthquake, signaling the expectation of significant casualties.

Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health shared through a Facebook post that the earthquake impacted the provinces of Samangan and Balkh, leading to the loss of at least 20 lives and leaving around 320 individuals injured. Dr. Sharafat Zaman Amar, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health, warned that the death toll was likely to rise as rescue efforts continued.

Efforts are currently ongoing to provide aid and medical assistance to the affected areas. Authorities have requested local hospitals to be prepared to receive additional patients. Rescuers and medical personnel are working tirelessly to search for survivors and provide urgent care to those in need.

The Ministry of Public Health later confirmed that the death toll had tragically risen to at least 20. In a statement on Twitter, Deputy Spokesman of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Hamdullah Fitrat, expressed condolences for those affected by the earthquake. Efforts are being made to offer medical aid, food supplies, and other necessary assistance to the impacted regions.

This recent earthquake follows a previous seismic event in August, where over 1100 individuals lost their lives due to a 6.0 magnitude earthquake in Afghanistan. UN Afghanistan has mobilized its teams and partners to assess the needs of the affected communities and provide urgent aid. The organisation stands in solidarity with those impacted and pledges support during this challenging time.

As Afghanistan continues to grapple with the aftermath of this natural disaster, the global community remains vigilant in offering support and assistance to those affected. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims, and we commend the bravery and resilience of the rescue teams and healthcare professionals on the ground.

The Ministry of Public Health, along with various aid organisations, are working tirelessly to provide relief to the affected regions. While the situation remains dire, the spirit of solidarity and compassion shines through as communities come together to support one another during this difficult time.