A devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 struck Afghanistan”s northern Balkh province early this morning, resulting in at least 20 confirmed fatalities. The event occurred around 1:00 AM local time, with the epicenter located approximately 22 kilometers from the city of Khulm, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
In addition to the fatalities, there are reports of numerous injuries, and officials have warned that the death toll may rise as search and rescue efforts continue. The challenging conditions in Afghan cities complicate these operations, raising concerns about the potential for more casualties in remote areas impacted by the quake.
The tremor was felt across a wide area, including in regions beyond Balkh province, although reports of intensity varied. Local authorities have been proactive, disseminating emergency contact numbers to assist residents and those affected by the earthquake.
The USGS has issued an orange alert for the region, indicating the earthquake”s significant destructive potential. Afghanistan”s intricate geological composition, situated between the tectonic plates of India and Eurasia, contributes to its vulnerability to seismic events. While earthquakes are not uncommon in this region, this incident has raised alarms due to the expected impact on affected communities.
In response to the disaster, Taliban authorities have expressed deep concern that the number of casualties could significantly increase, particularly in the more isolated areas that were struck by the earthquake early today.
