Afghanistan earthquake: Death toll climbs past 1,400 as rescuers battle to reach survivors

The death toll passed 1,400 in the 6.0 magnitude earthquake that hit Afghanistan, the Taliban said, as rescuers raced to reach survivors trapped in remote areas.

The death toll soared past 1,400 people with thousands more injured in the strong earthquake that hit Afghanistan, the Taliban said Tuesday, as rescuers battled to reach survivors trapped in remote areas.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid put the numbers of people killed at 1,411 and injured at over 3,124, adding on X that more than 5,400 homes had been destroyed.

"Many people are trapped under the rubble of destroyed homes and rescue efforts are ongoing," the Afghan Red Crescent Society said on X.

The agency had earlier put the number of dead at more than 1,100, but the tally was set to rise, officials said, after the quake caused landslides that blocked roads, making it harder for teams to reach the mountainous eastern region.

Aid agencies had made their way on foot in some places, and helicopters were being used to airlift the injured.