5.3 magnitude earthquake in Afghanistan: at least 12 deaths, among the victims women and children

An earthquake of magnitude 5.3 was detected by the US USG in northwestern Afghanistan. The toll, the authorities report, is at least 12 dead, caused by the collapse of some houses.

The quake occurred about forty kilometers from Qala i Naw in the province of Badghis, at a depth of 18km.

"There are also wounded", denounced the governor of the district, Mohammad Saleh Purdel, specifying that among the victims there are also women and children.

Afghanistan is often hit by earthquakes, especially in the mountainous Hindu Kush region, with often extensive damage due to the fragility of buildings in rural areas.

(Unioneonline / vl)