Afghan earthquakes kill at least 21, destroy homes

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-18-2009 09:48

Two earthquakes measuring up to 5.5 on the Richter scale have hit eastern Afghanistan's Nangar-har province. At least 21 people are known to have died, with 30 others injured.

Two earthquakes measuring up to 5.5 on the Richter scale  have hit eastern Afghanistan's Nangar-har province. At least  21 people are known to have died, with 30 others injured.

Officials say over 200 houses were destroyed on Friday, and they expect the death toll to rise. Police and first-aid teams have been sent to the site to carry out rescue operations. The larger quake rattled the Hindu Kush border area between Afghanistan and Pakistan, about 90 kilometers east of the capital Kabul.

A second tremor shook the area two hours later. There were reports in Kabul of houses shaking and windows rattling.