Earthquake in Samangan Cuts Power to Nine Afghan Provinces
An overnight earthquake in Afghanistan’s Samangan province has caused extensive disruptions to the country’s imported electricity network, leading to a complete power outage in nine provinces including the capital, Kabul, according to the state-run power company, Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS).
In a statement, DABS reported that key transmission lines from Uzbekistan — along the Nayebabad–Samangan and Khulm–Pul-e-Khumri (Baghlan province center) routes — were knocked out by the quake. These blackouts have left the provinces of Kabul, Baghlan, Parwan, Panjshir, Kapisa, Logar, Paktia, Ghazni, and Maidan Wardak, all of which rely on electricity from Uzbekistan, without power.
The company also stated that power imported from Tajikistan to the city of Kunduz was disrupted due to the earthquake, affecting additional regions dependent on Tajik electricity supplies.
Despite the widespread challenges, DABS assured that technical teams have been deployed and are working to swiftly repair damaged lines and restore power. The incident has once again highlighted persistent infrastructure issues and ineffective management under Taliban rule, raising concerns over the continued delivery of essential public services.
