KABUL: An earthquake has hit western Afghanistan, killing more than 20 people and destroying hundreds of homes.

The magnitude-5.6 tremor shook the western province of Badghis, bordering Turkmenistan, reducing brick homes to rubble, according to photos shared by local authorities, the abc.net said.

“Initial reports show that 22 people, including women and children, have been killed and four others injured,” Baz Mohammad Sarwari, the Director of Information and Culture of the Badghis provincial administration said.

According to reports, more than 700 houses had been damaged.

(With inputs from abc.net.au)