Death toll rises to 27 in Afghanistan earthquake, 530 injured

The death toll from a powerful earthquake in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan, has risen to 27. More than a hundred people were injured. The 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck the northern part of the country on Monday (around 1 am local time).

According to a report by the Afghan state news agency Bakhtar News, the earthquake hit several provinces including Balkh, Samangan, Sar-e-Pul, Baghlan and Kunduz. At least 730 people were injured. The highest number of deaths were in Samangan and Balkh provinces.

The Afghan Red Crescent Society said the earthquake caused widespread humanitarian and economic losses. Rescue work is underway in the affected areas and the search for the missing continues.

Casualties were also reported in Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of Balkh province. Local sources said that the city's historic monument, Rawza Mubarak, was partially damaged.

In addition, there was extensive damage in Baghlan province. About 800 houses were partially destroyed in the village of Chogani in the Shahr-e-Bozorg district of Badakhshan province, officials said.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) said the epicenter of the earthquake was near the city of Mazar-e-Sharif, at a depth of 28 kilometers.

After the earthquake, the local administration ordered all hospitals to be ready so that the injured could be treated quickly.

In addition to the local administration, workers from the Red Crescent and voluntary organizations also participated in the rescue operation.