Afghanistan: Flash Update #2 Northern Region Earthquake, Afghanistan

Highlights

• Following the 6.3-magnitude earthquake that struck northern Afghanistan on Monday, 3 November, humanitarian partners have initiated immediate response efforts.
• Casualties from the earthquake have now risen to 25 people killed (12 in Balkh, 12 in Samangan, and 1 in Sar-e-Pul) and 984 injured (636 in Balkh, 329 in Samangan, 16 in Sar-e-Pul, and 3 in Jawzjan provinces). Reports of one person killed in Jawzjan Province have yet to be verified.
• Humanitarian assessments to date indicate destruction and damage to 795 houses (305 destroyed, 490 damaged). In Samangan Province, Feroz Nakhchir reported 333 houses affected (149 destroyed, 184 damaged), Khulm 276 (103 destroyed, 173 damaged), and Hazrat Sultan 92 (35 destroyed, 57 damaged). In Balkh Province, Sholgara reported 70 damaged houses and Marmal 24 (18 destroyed, 6 damaged). A further 22 houses have also reportedly been reported in Sar-e-Pul Province. Overall, the worst-affected districts are Feroz Nakhchir, Khulm and Hazrat Sultan in Samangan Province and Sholgara and Marmul in Balkh Province. .
• On 3 November 2025, within just 10 hours of the earthquake striking, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) facilitated an overflight of the earthquake’s epicentre and surrounding areas involving the participation of the Afghanistan Humanitarian Coordinator OiC, ECHO, FAO and OCHA. The aerial assessment found no major structural damage (such as collapsed roofs or walls) visible from the air, including in villages closest to the epicentre. Minor localized landslides and scattered rockfalls were noted, particularly near Feroz Nakchir in Samangan Province, but roads remained passable and water continued to flow through irrigation channels and rivers. Overall, preliminary observations found no evidence of large-scale building collapse or damage to waterways, while key community infrastructure also appeared intact.
• Immediate priorities identified include emergency shelter such as winterized tents, blankets, and tarps; warm clothing for adults and children; cash for heating/fuel; and repair kits for damaged houses. A redoubling of health support beyond what has already been deployed is also required, including additional mobile health coverage, trauma stabilization in remote villages, and ambulance/referral capacity.