KABUL (Pajhwok): The United Nations says it has dispatched relief teams to northern Afghanistan to assess needs and deliver emergency assistance following Sunday night's earthquake.

At around 1:00 a.m., a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck with its epicenter in Khulm district of Balkh province, while tremors were also felt in Kabul, Samangan, Sar-i-Pul, and Kunduz provinces.

According to preliminary figures from the Ministry of Public Health, the quake in Balkh and Samangan provinces left 20 people dead and around 320 others injured.

On its X (formerly Twitter) account, the UN Mission in Afghanistan wrote:“Just weeks after a deadly earthquake in eastern Afghanistan, the north has now been struck by another strong quake.

Our teams and partners are on the ground to assess needs and deliver urgent aid. We stand with the affected communities and will provide the necessary support.”

Zabihullah Mujahid, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) spokesperson, also wrote on his X account:“Last night's earthquake caused loss of life and property in Balkh, Samangan, and Baghlan provinces. We are deeply saddened by this tragedy.”

He added that government agencies and officials are actively working to deliver services and provide the necessary assistance to those affected.

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