Earthquake Killed 14, Injured 78 in Afghanistan

Officials report that an earthquake in western Afghanistan has caused at least 14 deaths and 78 injuries.

According to the US Geological Survey, the 6.3 magnitude earthquake occurred at about 11:00 local time (06:30 GMT) about 40 kilometers from the western city of Herat, near to the Iranian border.

According to Afghan officials, several structures were damaged, burying individuals beneath the debris.

The original earthquake was followed by at least three strong tremors.

“We were in our offices and suddenly the building started shaking. Wall plasters started to fall down and the walls got cracks, some walls and parts of the building collapsed.” Herat resident Bashir Ahmad, 45, told the AFP news agency.

“I am not able to contact my family, network connections are disconnected. I am too worried and scared, it was horrifying,” he added.