A deadly 6.3-magnitude earthquake has shaken northern Afghanistan, killing dozens and injuring hundreds as winter cold intensifies the crisis. Historic sites like the Blue Mosque are damaged and families shelter outside amid aftershocks.
1 / 8A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan early Monday, November 3, leaving communities scrambling to recover as freezing temperatures and rain worsened conditions. Over 20 people have died and hundreds are injured, according to media reports. With homes reduced to rubble and historic landmarks damaged, survivors fear more tremors as winter approaches. Here’s a look at how the region is getting back on its feet. (Image: Reuters)
2 / 8Death Toll Rises, Hundreds Injured | Authorities say dozens were killed and close to 1,000 people were injured, many with serious fractures and trauma. Medical facilities in the region also reported structural damage, further complicating emergency care. (Image: Reuters)
3 / 8Families Sleep Outdoors in Bitter Cold | Residents sheltered in open fields overnight as tremors continued. Many families said their children fell ill due to the cold, with fears another quake could strike at any moment, the AP reported. (Image: Reuters)
4 / 8Homes Reduced to Rubble | Hundreds of houses were damaged or destroyed. Locals spent Tuesday digging through debris to recover belongings, with basic shelter and toilets among the most urgent needs, Reuters reported. (Image: Reuters)
5 / 8Historic Blue Mosque Damaged | The famed Blue Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif — a major cultural and religious landmark — suffered cracks, fallen tiles and a damaged minaret. Cultural officials warned that the shrine needs immediate restoration to prevent further harm. The 19th-century Palace, Bagh-e-Jahan Nama Palace in Khulm, also sustained major damage, including collapsed walls and cracks across its structure. Authorities fear winter rain could worsen the destruction. (Image: AP)
6 / 8Fear and Aftershocks Grip Residents | Aftershocks rattled the region through Tuesday. Many survivors said they are too afraid to return home, worried that weakened buildings could collapse without warning. (Image: Reuters)
7 / 8Aid Arrives, But Concerns Remain | Rescue efforts continued with tents and emergency supplies distributed in affected areas. The UN has pledged support, while India and China have offered aid to assist Afghanistan through the crisis. (Image: AP)
8 / 8Winter Intensifies Urgency | With freezing winter conditions already setting in, disaster teams are racing to secure shelter and medical support. Mud-brick homes and poorly built structures in rural zones remain at high risk of collapse. (Image: Reuters)
