India stands by Afghanistan as earthquake jolts the nation, claims over 1,000 lives

New Delhi : A devastating earthquake in Afghanistan has claimed more than 1,000 lives; Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and assured all possible help at the earliest.

"Deeply saddened at the news of the devastating earthquake in Afghanistan today. My deepest condolences on loss of precious lives. India stands by the people of Afghanistan in their difficult times and is ready to provide all possible disaster relief material at the earliest," PM Modi wrote in a tweet. 

On Wednesday, a strong earthquake struck a remote region in Afghanistan. More than 1,000 people were killed and over 1,500 people have been reportedly injured. The death toll is likely to rise as the rescue operation is underway and people are being dug out from the debris of collapsed buildings.

The effect of earthquake was also reported in nearby Khost and Nangahar provinces that border Pakistan.