A 5.6 magnitude earthquake that struck Afghanistan’s western province of Badghis on Monday has left at least 22 people dead with five others wounded, an official said.

“The latest figures by our local sources showed that 22 people died and five others were wounded following Monday’s earthquake in Qadis district, the worst-hit area,’’ Baz Mohammad Sarwari, director of information and culture for Badghis province said.

According to Mr Sarwari, at least 1,000 houses were destroyed in Qadis, neighbouring Mugur district as well as in the provincial capital Qala-e-Naw.

“Local authorities are paying visits and monitoring the situation in affected areas in Badghis. They will try to coordinate the delivery work of relief assistance to the affected people,’’ the official said.

Earlier reports said 12 people lost their lives following the quake which occurred Monday afternoon in the mountainous region.

The U.S. Geological Survey stated that the earthquake with a magnitude of 5.6 hit 40km east of Qala-e-Naw, the provincial capital of Badghis which borders Turkmenistan.

The epicentre, with a depth of 10.0km, was initially determined to be at 34.9479 degrees north latitude and 63.5686 degrees east longitude, it said.

Several aftershocks were also felt in the region.

(NAN)