Earthquake Buries Homes in Northern Afghanistan

A 5.7 magnitude earthquake has struck northeast Afghanistan, causing homes to collapse.

Afghan authorities fear several people may be trapped underneath the rubble in the Burka district of Baghlan province.

A spokesman for the provincial governor, Mahmood Haqmal, told VOA that at least five people were injured in Monday's quake. He said a delegation has been sent to the area to determine the extent of the casualties and damage.

Homes were also damaged in nearby Takhar and Badakhshan provinces.



The U.S. Geological Survey said the 5.7-magnitude quake struck the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan and was also felt in parts of Tajikistan.

The USGS reported a 4.2-magnitude earthquake hit the region a few hours later.

People living in Indian-controlled Kashmir also reported feeling tremors from the quakes, but no damage was reported. Authorities in the Himalayan region said they remain on
alert.

Some information for this report was provided by Reuters.