Deadlist earthquake claims over 1,000 lives in Afghanistan

The Taliban in Afghanistan have appealed for international support, as the country deals with the aftermath of a devastating 6.1 magnitude earthquake. More than 1,000 people have died and at least 1,500 were injured. Paktika province in the south-east has been the most affected. The UN is scrambling to provide emergency shelter and food aid. The rescue efforts are being hampered by heavy rain and



hail.

The deadliest earthquake to strike the country in two decades is a major challenge for the Taliban, which regained power last year. The earthquake struck about 44 km from the city of Khost yesterday and tremors were felt as far away as Pakistan and India. Witnesses reported feeling the quake in both Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, and Pakistan's capital, Islamabad.