At least 15 people have been killed and 78 injured after an earthquake hit western Afghanistan today. The US Geological Survey said the epicentre of the 6.3 magnitude earthquake was 40 kilometres northwest of the city of Herat. At least three powerful tremors were also felt. Afghan officials said a number of buildings were damaged and many people are trapped under the rubble.
 
Afghanistan is frequently hit by earthquakes, especially in the Hindu Kush mountain range, which lies near the junction of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates.