Pakistan, Nov. 3 -- A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck near the northern Afghan city of Mazar-i-Sharif early Monday, leaving at least 10 people dead and around 260 injured. Authorities fear the death toll could rise as rescue operations continue in the quake-hit regions of Balkh and Samangan provinces.

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake struck at a depth of 28 kilometers near Mazar-i-Sharif, a city of over half a million residents. Afghan officials confirmed that rescue teams and emergency services were immediately deployed to assist the victims, transport the injured, and provide relief to affected families

The situation remains critical. Health teams are on-site, and all nearby hospitals are on standb...