Dozens Feared Dead After Earthquake Shakes Afghanistan

June 13, 2012; 6:09 PM
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Afghans stand at the site after an earthquake hit Baghlan province, north of Kabul, Afghanistan, Monday, June 11, 2012. As many as 100 people are feared dead after an earthquake struck northern Afghanistan this morning. (AP Photo/Jawed Basharat)

A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck in northeast Afghanistan on Monday. The quake could be felt more than 100 miles away in the capital city of Kabul.

The earthquake also resulted in a landslide which consumed a remote village, raising fear that as many as 100 people may be dead. Witnesses from the area claim that 25 to 30 houses were buried in the debris following the landslide.

The landslide left houses completely covered and unnoticeable on the surface. Rescue efforts began with shovels as two bodies were recovered from the rubble.

The landslide occurred in a remote area of Afghanistan which led to rescuers being delayed in arriving and not having the proper equipment to dig through the debris. Bulldozers from surround areas were slow to arrive through the rugged terrain.

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