A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan early on Monday, resulting in at least 20 fatalities and injuring over 320 individuals. The quake occurred at 12:59 a.m. local time, with its epicentre located approximately 22 kilometres west-southwest of Khulm, at a depth of 28 kilometres. Sharafat Zaman, spokesperson for the Taliban Health Ministry, confirmed the casualties and warned that the numbers may rise as rescue operations continue. Most of the injured have sustained minor wounds and have been treated at local hospitals. The earthquake primarily affected the provinces of Balkh and Samangan, with significant damage reported in Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of Balkh province. Footage shared on social media showed damage to the historic Blue Mosque, a revered religious site, although the structure itself remained largely intact. Yousaf Hammad, a representative from Afghanistan's disaster management agency, stated that rescue teams have been deployed to the hardest-hit areas to assist those affected. The Taliban government’s chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, expressed his condolences and noted that governmental organisations are working to provide necessary aid. The United Nations in Afghanistan has also mobilised teams to assess the situation and deliver urgent assistance. They stated, "We stand with the affected communities and will provide the necessary support." This earthquake follows a series of devastating tremors in the region, including a 6.0-magnitude quake in September that resulted in over 1,400 deaths. Afghanistan has faced numerous earthquakes in recent years, often exacerbated by the country's challenging infrastructure and poverty, which hinder effective disaster response. The US Geological Survey issued an orange alert, indicating that significant casualties are likely and the disaster could be widespread. The tremors were felt as far away as Kabul and even in parts of Pakistan, highlighting the quake's intensity. As rescue efforts continue, the focus remains on providing immediate support to those affected by this latest natural disaster.