20 killed as quake hits Afghanistan

Kabul, January 17

An earthquake rocked western Afghanistan on Monday, killing more than 20 persons and destroying hundreds of homes, local authorities said.

The 5.6-magnitude tremor shook the western province of Badghis, bordering Turkmenistan, in the afternoon, reducing brick homes to rubble, according to photos shared by local authorities.

“Unfortunately, our initial reports show that 22 persons have been killed and four others injured,” said Baz Mohammad Sarwari, director of Information and Culture of the Badghis provincial administration. — Reuters