Over 800 Dead, 2,800 Injured in Afghanistan Earthquake
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha) says at least 2,000 people are estimated to be injured, many of them in remote and mountainous areas cut off from access to rescue crews.
At least 12,000 people are believed to be directly impacted by the earthquake, including from damaged buildings or infrastructure Ocha says.
In a related development ,a special committee has been formed by the prime minister's office to aid victims of the earthquake, the Taliban's chief spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid says in a statement.
The statement adds that a fund has been allocated for the victims, and more money will be made available if needed.
Mujahid says that measures have been taken to evacuate victims and deliver food and other essential supplies to those affected.
The Eastern region of Afghanistan is the epicentre of a 6.0-magnitude earthquake. More than 12 hours have now passed since the quake hit the Nangarhar and Kunar provinces.
The Kunar province, which has been the worst-hit, has an extremely mountainous terrain, restricting access. This region has also seen massive flooding and landslides in the past few days blocking access to many areas.
Helicopters have been the only way to access these regions and carry out rescues.
Source - BBC News
