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More than 800 people have died after a magnitude 6.0 earthquake hit eastern Afghanistan late on Sunday, the UN’s humanitarian agency says, citing pre. Hot meals and blankets are being prepared by the UN, its lead coordinator in Afghanistan.
The earthquake struck the remote and mountainous Kunar province – blocked roads mean rescue operations are difficult and need to be carried out by air, with helicopters trying to reach affected areas the death toll could rise significantly as many are still feared to be trapped under the rubble, while officials report entire villages being destroyed
The Taliban has called for international aid, with the UK pledging £1m in relief funding, stressing that the money will not go into the Taliban’s hands. The quake struck at a shallow depth of 8km (5mi) – which can be more destructive – and shook buildings from Kabul to Pakistan’s capital Islamabad
The 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan just before midnight Sunday, with the worst of the destruction in Kunar province, which borders Pakistan. Around 800 are dead in just Kunar province. Hundreds are recovering in nearby hospitals.
What do we know about Afghanistan earthquake?
The Afghanistan earthquake epicentre was about 27 kilometres from Jalalabad. The USGS said the earthquake struck a shallow eight kilometres below the Earth’s surface.
Whole villages built of fragile mud and stone have crumbled, while landslides have blocked vital routes. Communication breakdowns have further crippled the rescue and relief efforts. At least 12 people were killed and 255 injured in neighbouring Nangarhar province, and 58 people were injured in Laghman province.
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