At least 20 people were killed and hundreds injured when a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck near Mazar-e-Sharif around 01:00 local time Monday, authorities said, warning the toll could rise. The 28km-deep quake sent residents rushing into the streets and triggered power outages across the country, including Kabul, after supply lines from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan were damaged. Taliban officials reported many injuries in Balkh’s Sholgara district, some from falls from tall buildings, and posted footage of debris at the city’s Blue Mosque. Police said they are monitoring the situation, while fatalities were also reported in nearby Samangan.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.