Deadly earthquake hits Afghanistan

“Seven people were killed and 34 have been wounded. Forty houses have collapsed,” Baghlani said.

He also said more than 300 homes had been damaged.

Security forces have been dispatched to rescue victims and check on the damages.

But Baghlani said rescue efforts have been blocked in one of the districts due to quake-sparked landslides that impeded access to it.

The restriction is making even more arduous what is an eight-hour drive along winding mountain trails from the provincial capital of Aybak.

The casualty toll could increase, Baghlani added.