Afghanistan Twin Quakes Kill at Least 22

At least 22 people have died after back-to-back earthquakes struck the west of Afghanistan on Monday January 17.

According to data from the US Geological Society (USGS), the 4.9 and 5.3 magnitude quakes affected the north-west province of Badghis, where it caused house and building collapses.

A spokesman told AFP four children were among those found dead in the rubble.

They added that more than 700 houses had been damaged.

The first quake hit in the afternoon, and the second followed about two hours later. Its impact was most felt in the Qadis and Mugr districts.

Officials have warned the death toll could increase as rescuers sift through rubble in the remote region.