The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the epicenter was located at a depth of 28 km in an area where approximately 523,000 people live.
Samim Joyanda, a representative of the health department of Samangan province, told Reuters that by Monday morning, 150 injured individuals and seven deceased had been reported, and they were sent to medical facilities.
He added that the information is based on data received from hospitals by that time.
According to Haji Zaid, an official representative of Balkh province, the earthquake also partially damaged the famous Blue Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif.
The National Disaster Management Agency of Afghanistan reported that more detailed information about the victims and damages would be provided later. So far, Reuters has been unable to obtain independent confirmation of the damage.
Videos of rescue operations and photos of destroyed buildings have appeared on social media, including on the X platform. One of the videos shows rescuers extracting bodies from the rubble.
Earlier, in August, thousands of people were reported dead due to an earthquake and subsequent aftershocks in Afghanistan, according to Taliban data, with an even greater number injured.
It is also reported that tremors were felt in neighboring countries such as Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
