A powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan overnight on 3 November 2025, prompting an urgent response from UN agencies. Initial reports indicate at least 20 people killed and hundreds injured, with the epicenter near Mazar-i-Sharif, where buildings collapsed as residents slept.
Rapid UN Mobilization
- WHO first responders are already on the ground providing emergency medical care.
- WFP teams are supporting food distribution and conducting needs assessments.
- Aerial surveys, conducted with Swiss support, show limited visible damage and no mass displacement, though the mountainous Samangan province was among the hardest hit.
Cultural Sites and Local Impact
Footage from the Shrine of Hazrat Ali (Blue Mosque) in Mazar-i-Sharif shows rubble scattered across the revered site. While damage appears less severe than feared, the quake follows a devastating 6.0 magnitude earthquake in Kunar province just two months earlier, which displaced hundreds of thousands.
Health Risks and Displacement Crisis
The World Health Organization warns of escalating health risks in temporary settlements, including:
- Lack of safe drinking water
- Open defecation
- Limited access to maternal and newborn care
- Shortage of female health staff and privacy for women
Mental health support and disease surveillance are being prioritized as UN agencies work to stabilize affected communities.
Building Back Better
Afghanistan’s vulnerability to shallow earthquakes demands resilient reconstruction. UN-Habitat is training Afghan masons in culturally rooted construction techniques to reduce future risks. “Earthquakes will happen again,” said Stephanie Loose, urging sustainable rebuilding that respects local heritage.
TWW - The World Wide: Global News,Local Impact.