A strong earthquake killed at least 20 people in northern Afghanistan, authorities said Monday, just months after another deadly tremor that left the country reeling.

The 6.3-magnitude quake struck overnight at a depth of 28 kilometres (17 miles) with the epicentre near the city of Mazar-i-Sharif, according to the US Geological Survey.

"Based on the information we have so far, 534 people have been injured and more than 20 fatalities have been taken to hospitals in Samangan and Balkh provinces," health ministry spokesman Sharafat Zaman told journalists.

In Mazar-i-Sharif, one of Afghanistan's largest northern cities, an AFP correspondent saw residents scrambling out into the streets.

The city's famed Blue Mosque, a 15th-century landmark known for its vibrant tiles, was also damaged.

Pi

See Full Page