An earthquake of magnitude 6.3 struck northern Afghanistan just before 1 a.m. Monday, killing at least 10 people and injuring 260, according to the health ministry and the U.S. Geological Survey. The epicenter was near Mazar-i-Sharif, the Balkh provincial capital known for its 15th-century Blue Mosque, with casualties also reported in neighboring Samangan, officials said. The Defense Ministry acknowledged deaths and injuries without figures. The disaster hits as more than half the country needs aid, foreign assistance has sharply fallen, and hundreds of health facilities have closed.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.