"The United Nations has warned of an exponential rise in casualties from a powerful earthquake in eastern Afghanistan, as the Taliban said the death toll had surpassed 1,400 on Tuesday, with more than 3,000 people injured. The figures provided by Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid were mainly for the province of Kunar. Sunday night's magnitude 6 earthquake affected several provinces, causing extensive damage."
"Rough terrain is hampering rescue and relief efforts, forcing Taliban authorities to airdrop dozens of commandos to evacuate the injured from places where helicopters cannot land. A magnitude 5.2 aftershock, close to the epicentre of Sunday's earthquake, rattled the area on Tuesday, according to the United States Geological Survey. There were no immediate reports of damage. Indrika Ratwatte, the United Nations resident coordinator for Afghanistan, said rescuers are scrambling in a race against time to reach the mountainous and remote area."
An earthquake of magnitude 6 struck eastern Afghanistan, killing more than 1,400 people and injuring over 3,000, with most reported in Kunar province. The quake flattened villages and trapped residents beneath rubble of mud-brick and wooden homes that could not withstand the shock. Rough, mountainous terrain is hampering rescue and relief operations, prompting Taliban authorities to airdrop dozens of commandos to evacuate injured people from areas where helicopters cannot land. A magnitude 5.2 aftershock rattled the epicentre area with no immediate damage reports. The United Nations warned of an exponential rise in casualties and urged the international community to provide assistance. Afghanistan faces compounded crises, including aid cuts, a weak economy, and mass returns from neighboring countries.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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