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 preliminary reports
The earthquake struck the remote and mountainous Kunar province – blocked rocks 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
