20 killed, 600 hurt as 6.3 earthquake strikes Afghanistan

A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck near the northern Afghan city of Mazar-e Sharif early on Monday, killing at least 20 people, injuring hundreds and damaging the city’s historic Blue Mosque, the authorities said, with the death toll likely to rise.

The US Geological Survey said the quake hit at a depth of 28 km near Mazar-e Sharif, a city of around 523,000 people famous for its shrines and historic sites. Mohammad Rahim, a survivor in Tashqurghan district close to the quake’s epicentre, said the earth shook violently for around 15 seconds.

At least 20 people were killed and 643 were injuredThe United Nations mission in Afghanistan said, “We stand with the affected communities and will provide necessary support.” The earthquake damaged part of the Blue Mosque, considered one of the holiest sites in Afghanistan and believed to be the burial site of the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Mohammad, Balkh province spokesperson Haji Zaid said.