Deadly Earthquake hits Northern Afghanistan killed 20 injured 500.

Why the Earthquake in Afghanistan Matters

From a humanitarian perspective, every major earthquake in Afghanistan not only causes deaths and injuries but also long-term destruction of livelihoods, homes, and healthcare systems.

From a cultural standpoint, it damages historical treasures such as the Blue Mosque, erasing parts of Afghanistan’s identity and history.

Furthermore, the disaster exposed a significant resilience gap—weak building codes, poor transportation networks, and limited electricity infrastructure all worsened the crisis. With global media attention, the quake refocused the world’s concern on Afghanistan’s urgent need for disaster risk reduction and sustainable development.

Learn more about Afghanistan’s seismic history on USGS.gov.

Looking Ahead

1. Provide rapid medical treatment and emergency shelter for affected families.

2. Repair and rebuild damaged infrastructure, prioritizing schools, hospitals, and homes.

3. Restore power and transportation lines, especially in isolated rural areas.

4. Develop a strong disaster-preparedness framework and encourage international cooperation to enhance Afghanistan’s resilience against future earthquakes.

Conclusion

The 6.3-magnitude earthquake in Afghanistan on 3 November 2025 stands as a powerful reminder of the nation’s vulnerability to natural disasters. With at least 20 lives lost, hundreds injured, and widespread infrastructure damage, the tragedy highlights the need for resilient construction, strong disaster response systems, and global support for Afghanistan’s rebuilding and future safety.

FAQs

1. Why do earthquakes occur in Afghanistan?
The northward movement of the Indian tectonic plate and its collision with the Eurasian plate cause frequent earthquakes in Afghanistan.

2. How many people died in the 2025 Afghanistan earthquake?
At least 20 people were killed and over 320 injured in the earthquake in Afghanistan on November 3, 2025. Previous quakes have been even deadlier, with thousands killed in Kunar Province over the past two years.

3. How common are earthquakes in Afghanistan?
Since 1990, Afghanistan has experienced more than 355 earthquakes with magnitudes above 5.0, making seismic activity a regular threat.

4. Which provinces were most affected?
Balkh and Samangan were the two provinces most severely impacted by the earthquake in Afghanistan.

5. Which historic building was damaged?
The Blue Mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif, one of Afghanistan’s most iconic cultural sites, suffered heavy damage, including the collapse of one of its minarets.