Quake hits central Afghanistan

KABUL:

At least seven people have been killed and 30 injured after a magnitude 5.3-magnitude earthquake struck in mountains north of Kabul.

The deputy governor of Saragan province has said the temblor hit just before 1:00 am, local time in the province, about halfway between Kabul and the northern city of Mazar-e Sharif.

Casualty reports take time to reach authorities, as roads and communications are sparse in the area.

The quake was felt in Kabul as well as the neighbouring countries of Uzbekistan and Tajikstan.