KABUL, April 18 (Xinhua) -- A 5.3-magnitude earthquake hit northeastern Afghanistan early on Saturday morning, with strong tremors felt in the capital, Kabul.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey's earthquake information network, the quake occurred at around 7:24 a.m. local time. The epicenter was located in northeastern Afghanistan at 36.62 degrees north latitude and 70.79 degrees east longitude, with a focal depth of 198.8 kilometers.

The Afghan government has not yet released information regarding casualties or property damage. ■