- A 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit northern Afghanistan early Monday near Mazar-i-Sharif and Kholm, at a depth of 28 km (17 miles), according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
- At least 20 people were killed and over 500 injured, with casualties expected to rise as rescue efforts continue in remote villages of Balkh and Samangan provinces.
- Hundreds of homes were destroyed or damaged, particularly in rural areas where mud-brick houses are vulnerable to collapse. The historic Blue Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif, a 15th-century landmark, suffered structural damage, though the main building remains standing.
- The Taliban government and Afghan Red Crescent have deployed rescue and medical teams, while the United Nations said its teams are on-site providing assistance.
Afghanistan Hit by 6.3 Magnitude Earthquake, Killing At Least 20 People
