"Based on initial information, the magnitude of the earthquake was more than 6, and the epicenter was in the Nakhchir district of Samangan province," the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Auth...

At least 20 people have died after an earthquake struck northern Afghanistan, say local authorities, with the toll expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.

The US Geological Survey suggested that "significant casualties are likely and the disaster is potentially widespread" after the earthquake in Mazar-e Sharif.