Devastating earthquake hits Afghanistan: At least 20 dead, hundreds injured

(Patria) - At least 20 people were killed and more than 320 injured in a 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck northern Afghanistan.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) announced that the earthquake was at a depth of 28 km near Mazar-i-Sharif, a city of about 523,000 inhabitants.

The earthquake occurred about an hour after midnight, and the USGS issued a red alert in its PAGER automated system, which provides information on the impact of earthquakes, indicating that "significant casualties are likely and the disaster is potentially widespread".

The earthquake destroyed part of the holy site of Mazar-i-Sharif, said Balkh province spokesperson Haji Zaid, referring to the Blue Mosque.

The National Disaster Agency announced that reports on casualties and damage would be released later. Reuters could not immediately confirm the extent of the earthquake damage.