UPDATE - Afghanistan's earthquake death toll climbs to 19, hundreds wounded

UPDATES DEATH TOLL; ADDS DETAILS; CHANGES HEADLINE, LEDE

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - At least 19 people were killed and hundreds of others wounded after a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan at around 1 am local time on Monday (2030GMT Sunday), officials said.

Most of the casualties were reported in northern Samangan and Balkh provinces, according to the Afghan Red Crescent Society.

It added that the earthquake caused "severe human casualties and heavy financial losses."

Search and rescue operations are going on to look for survivors.

Dr. Sharafat Zaman, spokesman for the Health Ministry said most of the casualties were reported in Samangan province.

The provincial capital of Balkh, Mazar-e-Sharif, also reported casualties as well as damage to property.

Damages have also been reported in the northwestern Baghlan province, according to officials.

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

Authorities have ordered all hospitals to be fully prepared to provide health services to the victims of the earthquake.

Afghanistan has been rocked by at least eight major earthquakes, including the latest one, since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.

In August this year, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake shook the eastern Kunar province, killing more than 2,200 people and flattening hundreds of houses and buildings.