Kholm, Afghanistan — November 3, 2025 — A powerful earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale struck northern Afghanistan late Sunday night, with its epicenter located in the Kholm district near Mazar-i-Sharif. The tremors were felt across the region, including in Kabul, prompting residents to evacuate buildings in fear of structural collapse.
According to geological assessments, the quake occurred at a depth of 28 kilometers. Initial reports had placed the depth at 10 kilometers before being revised. Emergency contact numbers were circulated to assist affected residents, though no official confirmation of casualties or damage has been released yet.
This seismic event follows a deadly earthquake in eastern Afghanistan just two months ago, which claimed over 2,200 lives. The region remains highly vulnerable due to its location along the Hindu Kush mountain range, where tectonic activity between the Eurasian and Indian plates frequently triggers earthquakes.
Experts note that northeastern Afghanistan has experienced more than a dozen major earthquakes exceeding magnitude 7 since 1900. The country’s susceptibility is further compounded by decades of conflict, limited infrastructure, and economic challenges.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and disaster response teams are on alert to provide assistance if needed. The recent quake serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for resilient infrastructure and preparedness in seismically active zones.
