As rescue efforts continue in one of Afghanistan largest cities, the death toll is expected to rise. At least 20 people have been killed after a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan on Monday morning. Citing a statement from the Taliban run health ministry, Reuters added that around 320 people have been injured due to the powerful tremors in the city of Mazar-e Sharif.
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20 killed, over 300 injured
As per the Taliban health ministry, at least 20 peopel are confirmed dead due to the earthquake on Monday morning. Furthermore, a ttoal of 320 people have been injured. As per reports, Balkh province and neighbouring Samangan province have recorded the most damage. Monday’s earthquake comes months after a magnitude 6 earthquake left at least 2,200 people dead and even more injured. While initial reports suggested the magnitude of the quake was 6.2 on the Richter scale, the US Geological Survey said the magnitude stood at 6.3. Furthermore, the tremors prompted the USGS to issue an orange alert in its PAGER system. Which indicates that significant casualties are likely and the disaster is potentially widespread.
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Afghanistan famed ‘blue mosque’ damaged in tremors
The Blue Mosque of Mazar-i-Sharif, a 15th-century landmark famed for its vibrant tiles, was also damaged by the magnitude 6.3 earthquake which struck northern Afghanistan overnight. As per AFP, pieces of the ornate structure, particularly from one of its minarets, broke off and lay scattered across the mosque’s grounds. The mosque, which is the Mausoleum of Imam Ali, is one of the few tourist sites in the landlocked country. As social media floods with images of destruction in Afghanistan. CCTV footage from a house in Mazar-e Sharif has gone viral for capturing the moment the earthquake struck the Afghan city