[5] The North Afghan Platform has remained relatively tectonically stable since the Variscan Orogeny during the Late Palaeozoic, when it became part of Eurasia.

[6] The first earthquake struck at 09:32 local time (05:02 UTC), registering a magnitude of 5.4 at 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) depth.

An estimated, one hectare of land was covered in up to 100 metres (330 ft) of debris by the landslide in the Burka District of Baghlan Province.

[7][9] According to Baghlan provincial governor Munshi Majeed, Sayi Hazara was completely destroyed by the landslide.

He said there was little hope in finding any survivors in the 23 homes buried when a large portion of the nearby mountain broke free and inundated the village.

Baghlan Provincial Council member Haji Wakil told reporters, "The mountain was too big and strong...

"[8] At the time of the earthquake, most adult males were away from the village working farmland, so the victims are mostly women and children.