Afghanistan earthquake death toll mounts and Taliban officials say almost 1,000 people injured

A powerful earthquake struck northern Afghanistan early Monday morning, causing widespread devastation and loss of life. The U.S. Geological Survey recorded the quake as a 6.3 magnitude event centered near Kholm, in Samangan province. However, the Taliban government reported damage and casualties extending across at least five other provinces, including Balkh, Baghlan, Kunduz, Sar-e-Pul, and Jawzjan. Videos circulating online showed the quake lasting roughly 20 seconds, sending shockwaves felt as far away as Kabul and neighboring countries, sparking panic among families in the early hours. According to Sharafat Zaman, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health, the death toll has risen to 27, with most fatalities concentrated in Samangan and the neighboring Balkh province. In addition to the loss of life, nearly 1,000 people sustained injuries. The Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority reported that over 500 homes were either partially or completely destroyed, leaving hundreds of families at immediate risk of displacement just as winter's chill begins to set in. Among the cultural losses was significant damage to the iconic Blue Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif, Balkh's provincial capital. Regional government spokesman Haji Zahid shared videos of the historic 15th-century mosque’s damaged state on social media, highlighting the quake's impact on Afghanistan’s cultural heritage. Humanitarian organizations, already stretched thin after recent funding cuts from the U.S. and other governments, quickly mobilized teams to provide emergency health care and essential supplies to those affected. Afghanistan faces a compounding crisis, with recurring natural disasters exacerbated by climate change, including floods and droughts, worsening an ongoing food crisis. Srikanta Mirsa, ActionAid’s country director for Afghanistan, pointed out that one in five Afghans currently faces acute hunger, with millions more severely malnourished. The country’s fragile situation was further highlighted by the deadly earthquake in August, which killed around 2,200 people and left thousands without shelter or access to clean water and medical care. The UN had then requested $140 million in emergency aid to support those affected. Mirsa urged the international community not to turn away from Afghanistan amid such profound needs, emphasizing that cuts to international aid only weaken the resilience and recovery prospects for millions already living in crisis. As winter approaches, the urgency to provide shelter, food, and health services has become even more critical. The latest earthquake adds yet another layer of hardship to a population struggling to survive amidst political instability, economic collapse, and environmental challenges.