6.3-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Northern Afghanistan
A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan early on 3 November 2025, killing at least 10 people and injuring around 260, according to health officials. The quake’s epicentre was located about 22 km west-southwest of Khulm in Balkh Province, at a depth of approximately 28 km, as per the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Impact and Response
The provinces of Balkh and Samangan Province bore the brunt of the damage, with rescue operations underway and injured persons being transferred to hospitals in nearby cities. Most injuries were reported as minor, and many of the wounded were discharged after initial treatment. The tremors were felt in the capital city of Kabul as well as other northern regions, prompting emergency efforts in affected areas.
Context and Challenges
Afghanistan is particularly vulnerable to earthquakes due to its mountainous terrain and prevalence of weak infrastructure. The country has experienced several large quakes in recent years, including a magnitude 6.0 event in eastern Afghanistan in August 2025 that killed over 1,400 people. The latest quake highlights the ongoing risk of seismic disasters and the need for strengthened preparedness and resilient construction practices.
