(MENAFN) A powerful earthquake has claimed 24 lives and wounded over 630 people across northern Afghanistan, the Afghanistan's National Disaster Management Authority confirmed Monday, with the majority sustaining minor injuries.

The devastating tremor struck at a depth of 28 kilometers, with seismic activity centered in the Khulm area. Registering 6.3 on the magnitude scale, the quake's destructive force rippled through five provinces: Balkh, Samangan, Kunduz, Sar-e-Pul, and Jawzjan.

Afghan authorities immediately mobilized emergency response operations following the disaster. Rescue crews have successfully cleared multiple major roadways and freed residents trapped behind debris-blocked routes.

The destruction proved extensive, with Badakhshan province officials documenting approximately 800 residential structures suffering earthquake damage.

Among the casualties of the seismic event stands one of Afghanistan's most treasured monuments—the renowned Blue Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif. The 12th-century structure, serving as a vital religious and cultural symbol throughout northern Afghanistan, sustained structural damage with portions of its facade crumbling away.

Emergency operations continue as officials assess the full scale of devastation across the affected regions.

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