Twin earthquakes kill 22 in Afghanistan

At least 22 people have been killed so far after back-to-back earthquakes struck the west of Afghanistan on Monday.

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 said four children were among those found dead in the rubble, adding that more than 700 houses had been damaged.

Earthquakes can cause significant damage in Afghanistan, where many dwellings are not as stable or well-built.

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

Badghis is considered one of Afghanistan’s most undeveloped and poorest regions.