Magnitude 6.3 earthquake kills 14 in western Afghanistan

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake hit western Afghanistan on October 7 killing 14 and injuring 78, an official said, with predictions the toll could rise after reports of landslides and victims trapped under collapsed buildings.

The United States Geological Survey said the epicentre was 40 kilometres (25 miles) northwest of the region's largest city of Herat, and was followed by seven aftershocks with magnitudes between 4.6 and 6.3.

Crowds of residents fled buildings in the city at around 11:00 a.m. (0630 GMT) as the quakes began, lasting for over an hour.