Kabul

More than 1000 people have died and 1500 were injured in Afghanistan after a powerful earthquake struck the country in the early hours of Wednesday.

The epicentre of the 6.1 magnitude quake was recorded 44 kms from the south-eastern city of Khost.

The most affected areas were the districts of Spera in Khost province, and Barmala, Ziruk, Naka and Giyan districts in the Paktita province.

The head of the Paktika department of information and culture, Mawlawi Huzifa, told TOLO news that the earthquake occurred around 1:30 am. He said that many of the victims are from the Giyan district of the province.

An emergency cabinet meeting of the Taliban-led government was held to discuss assistance for the people affected by the earthquake.

Tremors were also felt in the Pakistan cities of Quetta, Lahore and Multan.

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Meanwhile, India has expressed sympathy and condolences to the victims and their families and to all those impacted by the tragic earthquake in Afghanistan. MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted a short while back, " We share the grief of the people of Afghanistan and remain committed to provide assistance and support in this hour of need.''