A moderate earthquake of 5.3 magnitude shook central and northern Afghanistan early Monday, killing at least seven people and injuring 30.
Officials say scores of homes have been damaged in the quake, which has affected three districts.
Afghan authorities say access to some areas has been blocked because of damage caused by the quake.
The U.S. Geological Survey says the quake was centered about 190 kilometers northwest of the capital, Kabul, at a depth of 10 kilometers.
The earthquake was felt in Kabul, as well as in the neighboring countries of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai issued a statement, saying he is deeply saddened by the casualties.
Mr. Karzai ordered relief teams to reach out to those needing aid and called for an immediate report on the earthquake's damage.
Some information for this report was provided by AP.
