A strong earthquake of magnitude 6.3 struck northern Afghanistan. The tremors were felt near the city of Mazar-i-Sharif, where preliminary reports indicate at least seven fatalities and over 150 injuries. This is reported by Reuters.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenter of the earthquake was located 28 km deep near Mazar-i-Sharif, which has a population of about 523,000. "As of this morning, reports indicate that 150 people were injured and seven have died. The injured have been transported to medical facilities," said Samim Joyanda, spokesperson for the health department in Samangan.
The official noted that these figures are based on hospital reports collected as of Monday morning. The USGS Pager damage assessment system issued an orange alert level, indicating a likelihood of significant casualties and widespread damage. The agency noted that such events typically require a national level response.
A spokesperson for Balkh province, Haji Zaid, reported that the Blue Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif partially collapsed during the earthquake.