Mohammad Rahim, a survivor from Tashqurghan district near the quake’s epicentre, described the terrifying moment the ground began to shake.
A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck near the northern Afghan city of Mazar-e Sharif early on Monday, killing at least 20 people, injuring hundreds, and damaging parts of the city’s historic Blue Mosque, authorities said.
Officials warned that the death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue, according to Reuters.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake struck at a depth of 28 kilometres (17.4 miles), close to Mazar-e Sharif, a city of about 523,000 people known for its religious shrines and historical architecture.
Mohammad Rahim, a survivor from Tashqurghan district near the quake’s epicentre, described the terrifying moment the ground began to shake.
“The earth shook violently for around 15 seconds. When we finally got outside, there was so much dust in the air that we couldn’t see anything,” he told Reuters, standing before a collapsed building.
Rahim said his mother and brother were trapped under the rubble before being rescued by emergency workers and neighbours.
According to the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA), at least 20 people were confirmed dead and 643 others injured, including 25 in critical condition.
“Our rescue and health teams have arrived in the area, and all nearby hospitals have been put on standby by the leadership to treat the injured,” said Health Ministry spokesperson Sharfat Zaman.
Footage released by the Afghan Ministry of Defence showed military personnel digging through debris and pulling out the body of a young girl.
Reuters said it could not independently verify the time and location of the video.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reportedly announced that it was on the ground supporting local rescue efforts.
“We stand with the affected communities and will provide necessary support,” the post said.
India also pledged humanitarian assistance as part of its efforts to rebuild diplomatic relations with the Taliban-led government.
“Indian relief material for the earthquake-impacted communities is being handed over today. Further supplies of medicines to reach soon,” India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar reportedly said.
Haji Zaid, spokesperson for Balkh province, confirmed that the famous Blue Mosque, believed to be the burial site of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Mohammad, sustained damage.
The current structure, dating back to the 15th century, is one of Afghanistan’s holiest and most visited sites.
Videos verified by Reuters showed shattered tiles and fallen masonry scattered in the mosque’s courtyard, though the main dome and minarets appeared intact.
The disaster adds to Afghanistan’s growing list of crises, including an August earthquake that killed thousands in the eastern provinces, a sharp decline in international aid, and mass deportations of Afghan refugees by neighbouring countries.
The national power supplier, Da Afghanistan Breshna Company, said the quake disrupted electricity across several regions, including the capital, Kabul.
Aid agency Save the Children warned that the timing of the disaster, just before winter, could worsen the humanitarian situation.
“As temperatures fall, thousands of children in the earthquake-devastated east of the country are facing the winter with only tents for protection from the rain and snow,” said Samira Sayed Rahman, the organisation’s programme development and advocacy director.
“Now, families in the north are also experiencing fear and uncertainty after this latest powerful quake.”
Afghanistan lies on multiple active fault lines, making it particularly prone to devastating earthquakes.
More than 2,200 people were killed and thousands were injured after a series of tremors hit the country in late August.