Afghanistan quake toll at 27, 956 injured, more than 1,000 houses destroyed

ISTANBUL

Authorities concluded rescue operations Tuesday after a deadly 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan the previous day, leaving 27 dead and 956 injured, according to officials.

More than 1,000 houses were destroyed, said the Afghan Red Cross Society.

The quake struck northern provinces, including Balkh, Samangan, Sar-e-Pul, Baghlan and Kunduz, at around 1 am local time Monday (2030GMT Sunday).

Most casualties were reported in northern Samangan and Balkh provinces.

The earthquake caused "severe human casualties and heavy financial losses," according to the Afghan Red Crescent Society, that said it damaged 1,037 homes.

Search and rescue efforts have been completed, while emergency relief operations are ongoing.

The quake occurred at a depth of 28 kilometers (17.4 miles) near Mazar-e-Sharif, one of the country's largest cities, said the US Geological Survey.

Casualties by province include: Samangan with 13 dead and 418 injured; Balkh with 12 dead and 435 injured; Baghlan had 1 dead and 19 injured; Kunduz totaled 65 injured, Jawzjan with recorded three injured, and Sar-e-Pul with one fatality and 16 injured.

The Ministry of Public Health has confirmed that the injured are receiving medical treatment at hospitals.