As a result of an earthquake in western Afghanistan, at least 2,400 people died, about 9,240 were injured and over 1,300 houses were destroyed or damaged, Associated Press reported, citing the Afghan Ministry of Disaster Management.
However, Abdul Wahid Rayan, spokesman at the Ministry of Information and Culture, said the death toll from the natural disaster may be higher as hundreds of civilians have been buried under the debris, the outlet reported.
"Partners and local authorities anticipate the number of casualties to increase as search and rescue efforts continue amid reports that some people may be trapped under collapsed buildings," the UN was quoted as saying.
In addition, the World Health Organization in Afghanistan said on X its "ambulances are transporting those affected, most of them women and children."
“As deaths and casualties from the earthquake continue to be reported, teams are in hospitals assisting treatment of wounded and assessing additional needs,” the UN agency said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Take a look at Sputnik Africa's gallery to see the devastating consequences of the natural disaster.