Afghanistan Hit by Major 6.3 Magnitude Quake, Casualties Feared

Afghanistan was rocked by a significant 6.3 magnitude earthquake on Monday, sparking fears of numerous casualties. The tremor occurred at a depth of 23 kilometers, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). Initial reports indicate the earthquake struck near Mazar-i-Sharif and the town of Khulm in the early morning hours. Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of Balkh province, is a densely populated northern city. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has issued an ‘orange alert,’ predicting significant human and economic losses and suggesting a national-level response may be required. This powerful quake follows an earlier, shallower 3.9 magnitude earthquake in Afghanistan, increasing the risk of dangerous aftershocks. Shallow earthquakes are known to cause more severe ground shaking and damage. The seismic event was reportedly felt in neighboring Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.