6.3-magnitude earthquake in Afghanistan: 7 dead, nearly 150 injured

A powerful earthquake struck northern Afghanistan early Monday morning, killing at least seven people and injuring nearly 150. The US Geological Survey (USGS) said a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck the Hindu Kush region near Mazar-e-Sharif at 12:59 am local time. The depth of the earthquake was initially reported at 10 kilometers, but was later revised to 28 kilometers.

Samim Joanda, a spokesman for the health department of Afghanistan's Samangan province, said that among the seven dead, locals and the injured were being treated at health centers. The impact of the earthquake shook the capital Kabul and surrounding areas. The epicenter of the earthquake was near Mazar-e-Sharif, which has a population of about 523,000.

Haji Zayed, a spokesman for Balkh province, said that part of the famous Blue Mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif had collapsed. Videos and photos posted on social media showed rescue workers busy rescuing people trapped under the rubble. Some videos also showed bodies being recovered.

It is worth noting that just two months ago, a powerful earthquake in eastern Afghanistan also killed more than a hundred people.