Death toll hits 20 after powerful Afghanistan quake

Death toll in the earthquake that struck Afghanistan early Monday has killed at least 20 people.

More than 530 were injured after the powerful earthquake struck northern Afghanistan early Monday, according to local authorities.

The 6.3-magnitude quake, centered near Mazar-e-Sharif, one of the country’s largest cities, hit around 1:00 a.m. local time (20:30 GMT Sunday) at a depth of 28 kilometers, the US Geological Survey reported.

Rescue operations are underway amid fears the death toll could rise as emergency teams reach remote areas.

The Taliban government’s health ministry confirmed hundreds of injuries, while provincial officials warned that many homes have been destroyed.

The tremor was rated orange alert by the USGS, signaling a high likelihood of significant casualties and damage. Agencies