(MENAFN) A devastating 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan around 1 a.m. local time on Monday (2030GMT Sunday), resulting in the deaths of at least 19 individuals and injuring hundreds more, according to officials.

The Afghan Red Crescent Society reported that the majority of fatalities occurred in the northern provinces of Samangan and Balkh. The organization stated that the tremor led to "severe human casualties and heavy financial losses."

Efforts to search for survivors are still underway, with emergency teams continuing rescue operations across the affected regions.

Dr. Sharafat Zaman, the spokesperson for the Health Ministry, noted that most of the victims were from Samangan province. The provincial capital of Balkh, Mazar-e-Sharif, also experienced injuries and significant damage to properties.

Authorities further confirmed that the northwestern province of Baghlan sustained structural damage as well.

According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake struck at a depth of 28 kilometers (17.4 miles) near Mazar-e-Sharif, one of Afghanistan’s major urban centers.

Government officials have instructed all medical facilities to remain on high alert and ready to provide treatment and support to those affected by the disaster.

Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, Afghanistan has endured at least eight substantial earthquakes, including this most recent one.

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