Local officials have already reported several deaths, warning the toll could climb as search and rescue operations continue.

A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck near the northern Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif early Monday, killing at least 10 people and injuring around 260, officials said, as reported by Reuters.

"Significant casualties are likely and the disaster is potentially widespread. Past events with this alert level have required a regional or national level response," the USGS was quoted as saying by ...