Afghanistan earthquake: Health Cluster situation report #1 (4 November 2025)

Overview

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck northern Afghanistan at approximately 1:00 AM local time on 3 November 2025, with its epicenter located near Feroz Nakhchir District in Samangan Province and the Marmal and Char Kent districts of Balkh Province. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 28 kilometers and severely affected communities across the Samangan–Balkh border areas. Initial reports indicate significant destruction to homes, infrastructure, and essential services, with the heaviest damages and casualties reported in Samangan and Balkh provinces. The affected areas include rural and mountainous communities where building structures are highly vulnerable to seismic activity.

Reports on until 4 November indicate:

• At least 25 deaths (12 in Balkh and 12 in Samangan province, 1 Sare- e-Pul)
• Over 983 injuries (635 in Balkh and 329 in Samangan, 16 Sare-ePul,
• 3 Jawzjan)
• Over 90 homes destroyed (50 homes in Khulm district)
• 3 Health facilitates has been partially damaged
• In Balkh province, the most affected districts include Charkent, Chemtal, Keshendeh, Marmul, Mazar-e-Sharif and Sholgara.
• In Samangan province, the most affected districts are Khulm, Feroz Nakhchir, Hazrat-e-Sultan.
• Access and Challenges:
• Landslide blockage: The Balkh–Kabul highway was blocked in Tange area, delaying ambulance movement and casualty transfers.
• Power outage: Electricity disruption hindered health service delivery and emergency operations.
• Hospital overcrowding: Khulm District Hospital lacked space and resources to manage the surge of patients.