Afghanistan's deadliest earthquake in two decades kills 1000 plus - Updates

Kabul: At least 1000 people were killed and over 1500 were injured in what is believed to be Afghanistan's deadliest earthquake in the past two decades. The earthquake, measuring 6 on the Richter scale struck a remote border region of Afghanistan overnight. The toll is expected to rise as the rescuers are carrying out digging work through collapsed dwellings.

"So far the information we have is that at least 920 people have been martyred and 600 injured," Sharafuddin Muslim, the deputy minister for disaster management said, news agency AFP reported. "The government is working within its capabilities," Anas Haqqani, a senior Taliban official said in a tweet.

- "Deeply saddened at the news of the devastating earthquake in Afghanistan today. My deepest condolences on the loss of precious lives. India is ready to provide all possible disaster relief material at the earliest," tweets Prime Minister Narendra Modi

- India condoles the loss of lives in Afghanistan earthquake. "India expresses sympathy and condolences to the victims and their families, and to all those impacted by the tragic earthquake in Afghanistan. We share the grief of the people of Afghanistan and remain committed to providing assistance and support in this hour of need," said External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.

- Pakistan extends condolences over the death toll in the Afghanistan earthquake. "Our authorities and institutions are working to extend required assistance to Afghanistan in coordination with their relevant institutions," Pakistan's Foreign Mnistry said in a statement.

- The death toll in the Afghanistan earthquake has risen to 1,000. State-run media says that 1,500 people are injured in the earthquake that struck the country's east, news agency AP reports.

-The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said that the epicenter of the quake was located 44 km from the Khost city.

-"The UN and humanitarian country team in Afghanistan expresses deep sympathy to all people affected by this disaster. We will be issuing a flash update later today with further details on the situation and response," the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) said.