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Earthquakes

Afghanistan Hit by Second Major Earthquake in 24 Hours, Hundreds Feared Dead

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan early on Monday, causing widespread damage and potentially hundreds of fatalities. The quake hit near the city of Mazar-i-Sharif, one of the most populated cities in the region. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimates that the shaking could result in hundreds of fatalities. The earthquake was also felt in parts of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, three countries that border northern Afghanistan. This is the second major earthquake to hit Afghanistan in 24 hours, following a 3.9-magnitude quake earlier in the day.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck at a depth of 23 kilometers and was centered near the city of Mazar-i-Sharif in northern Afghanistan.
  • Preliminary reports suggest that the earthquake could result in hundreds of fatalities due to the strong shaking and potential damage to structures.
  • The earthquake was also felt in parts of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, three countries that border northern Afghanistan.
  • The USGS estimates that significant casualties are likely, and the disaster is potentially widespread.
  • An orange alert was issued by the USGS PAGER system, predicting economic and human loss after earthquakes.
  • Shallow earthquakes, like the 3.9-magnitude quake earlier in the day, are generally more dangerous due to the strong ground shaking and potential damage to structures.
  • Residents in Mazar-i-Sharif reported running down the stairs screaming when the quake struck, and several windows were shattered, with plaster on walls damaged.
  • Former schoolteacher Rahima reported that she had never experienced such a strong earthquake before and that her family was left terrified.

Statistics:

  • The earthquake struck at 1:59:02 IST (03:30 p.m. ET Monday) with a magnitude of 6.3 at a depth of 23 kilometers.
  • The United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimates that the shaking could result in hundreds of fatalities.
  • The earthquake was felt in parts of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, three countries that border northern Afghanistan.
  • The USGS PAGER system issued an orange alert, predicting economic and human loss after earthquakes.
  • The orange alert level indicates that significant casualties are likely and the disaster is potentially widespread.
  • The earthquake occurred at a shallow depth, making it susceptible to aftershocks.
  • The 3.9-magnitude earthquake earlier in the day struck at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers.

Sources:

  • The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reported the 6.3-magnitude earthquake, citing EQ of M: 6.3, On: 03/11/2025 01:59:02 IST, Lat: 36.51 N, Long: 67.50 E, Depth: 23 Km, Location: Afghanistan.
  • The NCS also reported the 3.9-magnitude earthquake, citing EQ of M: 3.9, On: 02/11/2025 20:40:52 IST, Lat: 36.50 N, Long: 71.08 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Afghanistan.
  • The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake was felt in parts of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.
  • CNN reported on the earthquake, citing eyewitness accounts and expert opinions.
  • The Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority reported on the earthquake, citing a potential widespread disaster and significant casualties.

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