More than 800 people have been killed - and nearly 3,000 injured - after a magnitude-six earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan just before midnight on Sunday, the United Nations' humanitarian agency has said. Most of the deaths are in Kunar province, officials warn that the number may rise significantly as entire villages have been devastated. The quake's epicenter is in a remote mountainous area, complicating rescue efforts.

A Taliban official described the situation as 'unimaginable devastation.' The earthquake hit at 23:47 local time, about 27 km east of Jalalabad. Many residents reported terrifying tremors, with reports of houses completely destroyed and multiple injuries within households.

Rescue operations have been delayed due to blocked roads caused by flooding and landslides in recent days. Helicopters have been mobilized to assist, but many people remain trapped under rubble as teams focus on reaching the most injured first.

The clinic in Asadabad has been receiving a continuous influx of injured victims, highlighting the overwhelmed state of local hospitals. This natural disaster strikes as Afghanistan grapples with a profound humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by drought, aid cuts, and hunger levels described as unprecedented. The Taliban government has requested international aid to support its efforts amidst these overwhelming hardships.