Powerful Earthquake Strikes Northern Afghanistan, Leaving Dozens Dead and Thousands Injured
Historical sites also damaged as survivors endure freezing conditions in the open
KABUL: A powerful earthquake struck northern Afghanistan on Monday night, resulting in over 25 fatalities and nearly 1,000 injuries.
Survivors were seen searching through the rubble of their homes on Tuesday, trying to salvage any remaining belongings after a night spent outside due to the quake's impact.
The 6.3 magnitude temblor hit just before 1 a.m. local time with its epicenter located 22 kilometers west-southwest of Khulm in Samangan province.
By early Tuesday afternoon, the death toll had risen to 27, while 956 individuals were injured according to Public Health Ministry spokesman Sharafat Zaman.The earthquake also caused significant damage to several historical sites, including Afghanistan's Blue Mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif and the Bagh-e-Jahan Nama Palace in Khulm.
The Blue Mosque's minaret was severely damaged, with bricks and tiles falling from its walls and cracks appearing throughout the centuries-old structure.
Mahmoodullah Zarar, Head of Information and Culture for Balkh Province, stated that the site is in urgent need of repair due to its historical significance as a symbol of Islamic values.
The Blue Mosque plays a crucial role during religious and cultural gatherings.Firozuddin Munib, Head of Information and Culture for Samangan province, reported extensive damage to the 19th-century Bagh-e Jehan Nama Palace.
Constructed between 1890-1892, the palace sustained significant structural damage, including the collapse of a surrounding wall and one tower.
Cracks appeared on other towers, posing an increased risk of further deterioration due to the impending winter season and forecasted rain.In Khulm, survivors experienced multiple aftershocks, causing them considerable fear throughout the day.
Many spent Monday night outside in freezing temperatures, fearing additional earthquakes.
While authorities provided tents and essential supplies, many homes were left uninhabitable due to the quake's destruction.
The lack of proper facilities for women posed significant difficulties as well.Rescue operations continued on Tuesday, with expected completion by day's end.
The World Health Organization reported partial damage to several health facilities, including the collapse of a crucial laboratory at the Samangan Provincial Hospital.
Emergency response efforts involving health teams and rescue units remained ongoing to address these needs.Afghanistan, an impoverished nation, often faces challenges in responding to natural disasters due to its remote regions and poorly constructed buildings made from materials such as concrete, brick, mud bricks, and wood.
Survivors were seen searching through the rubble of their homes on Tuesday, trying to salvage any remaining belongings after a night spent outside due to the quake's impact.
The 6.3 magnitude temblor hit just before 1 a.m. local time with its epicenter located 22 kilometers west-southwest of Khulm in Samangan province.
By early Tuesday afternoon, the death toll had risen to 27, while 956 individuals were injured according to Public Health Ministry spokesman Sharafat Zaman.The earthquake also caused significant damage to several historical sites, including Afghanistan's Blue Mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif and the Bagh-e-Jahan Nama Palace in Khulm.
The Blue Mosque's minaret was severely damaged, with bricks and tiles falling from its walls and cracks appearing throughout the centuries-old structure.
Mahmoodullah Zarar, Head of Information and Culture for Balkh Province, stated that the site is in urgent need of repair due to its historical significance as a symbol of Islamic values.
The Blue Mosque plays a crucial role during religious and cultural gatherings.Firozuddin Munib, Head of Information and Culture for Samangan province, reported extensive damage to the 19th-century Bagh-e Jehan Nama Palace.
Constructed between 1890-1892, the palace sustained significant structural damage, including the collapse of a surrounding wall and one tower.
Cracks appeared on other towers, posing an increased risk of further deterioration due to the impending winter season and forecasted rain.In Khulm, survivors experienced multiple aftershocks, causing them considerable fear throughout the day.
Many spent Monday night outside in freezing temperatures, fearing additional earthquakes.
While authorities provided tents and essential supplies, many homes were left uninhabitable due to the quake's destruction.
The lack of proper facilities for women posed significant difficulties as well.Rescue operations continued on Tuesday, with expected completion by day's end.
The World Health Organization reported partial damage to several health facilities, including the collapse of a crucial laboratory at the Samangan Provincial Hospital.
Emergency response efforts involving health teams and rescue units remained ongoing to address these needs.Afghanistan, an impoverished nation, often faces challenges in responding to natural disasters due to its remote regions and poorly constructed buildings made from materials such as concrete, brick, mud bricks, and wood.