Over 2,000 killed and injured after earthquakes shakes Afghanistan

Correction: Officials later clarified that the initial figure of 2,000 dead included deaths and injuries

More than 2,000 people were reported dead and injured after a pair of devastating earthquakes rattled Afghanistan on Saturday.

Initially, a Taliban government spokesperson said Sunday that the death toll from the powerful earthquakes reached more than 2,000 — making it one of the deadliest earthquakes to strike the nation, the Associated Press reported. However, officials later clarified that the figure included deaths and injuries.

There are fears that the death toll from the 6.2 magnitude earthquake, followed by strong aftershocks on Saturday could continue to rise.

The quake’s epicenter was about 25 miles northwest of Herat City, according to the United States Geological Survey. It was followed by three aftershocks measuring 6.3, 5.9 and 5.5 magnitude.

Search and rescue efforts were already underway Sunday as people attempted to dig out the dead and possible survivors with just their hands in Herat. Survivors and victims were buried under collapsed buildings as the search continues.

Abdul Wahid Rayan, a spokesperson at the Ministry of Information and Culture, said Sunday that the death count is higher than what was initially reported.

“Besides the 2,060 dead, 1,240 people are injured and 1,320 houses are completely destroyed,” Rayan said.

The United Nations initially reported Saturday that at least 100 were killed. The organization said it coordinated with aid agencies and local authorities to send five emergency assessment teams as part of a first response.

“Once again, children and families in Afghanistan have been affected by a devastating earthquake, this time in western Herat province. @UNICEFAfg is on the ground with our UN colleagues to assess the full impact. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all families affected,” UNICEF Afghanistan tweeted.

The Associated Press contributed.

Updated at 10:18 a.m.