Devastating Earthquake Shakes Afghanistan, Claiming Over 20 Lives
A devastating earthquake has left a trail of destruction and death in northern Afghanistan. The tremor, which registered a magnitude of 6.3, has claimed a minimum of 20 lives, a number that is anticipated to increase as rescue missions press on.
Reports suggest that hundreds of people have been injured in the quake. The epicenter of the quake was located near Mazar-e-Sharif, a large city with a population of approximately half a million people. The quake occurred late at night, and its effects were felt deeply due to its shallow depth of 28km (17 miles).
Expectation of Significant Casualties
The quake's severity was categorized at the orange alert level, indicating a high likelihood of significant casualties. In fact, over 530 individuals have been reported as injured, as per the health ministry. Officials have warned that the casualty count is likely to rise as ongoing rescue operations reveal the full extent of the damage.
Reports from the Sholgara district, south of Mazar-e-Sharif, indicate numerous injuries. Preliminary data suggests most of these injuries were the result of people falling from tall buildings. The quake caused widespread panic, with many fearing their houses would collapse, leading to a mass exodus onto the streets.
Widespread Power Outages
The earthquake has also disrupted power supplies across Afghanistan, including the capital city, Kabul. Damage to electricity lines from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, which are key power contributors to Afghanistan, has resulted in widespread blackouts.
Destruction at Historical Site
Among the structures affected by the quake is the Blue Mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif, a significant historical and religious site for Shia Muslims. The mosque, which dates back to the 15th century, is said to house the tomb of the first Shia Imam, a cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Mohamad. Today, it serves as a gathering spot for pilgrims to pray and observe religious events. The quake left debris scattered across the grounds of the mosque.
The authorities are closely monitoring the situation, with the police in Kabul expressing their concern and vigilance over the unfolding situation.
Additional Casualties in Samangan
Death tolls have also been reported in Samangan, a mountainous province near Mazar-e-Sharif. The exact number of casualties in this region is yet to be determined.
Previous Earthquake in Afghanistan
This recent quake follows a 6.0 magnitude tremor that rocked Afghanistan's mountainous eastern region in late August, resulting in more than 1,100 deaths. The previous quake's high death toll was attributed to the collapse of rural homes made of mud and timber.
Earthquake Prone Region
Afghanistan often experiences earthquakes due to its geographical positioning on several fault lines where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Rescue efforts in the aftermath of such disasters are often hindered by the country's poor communication networks and infrastructure, including buildings that are not designed to withstand earthquakes.