The United Nations and its humanitarian partners have rushed to support Afghanistan following a devastating earthquake that hit two provinces in the east of the country early Wednesday morning.

According to media reports, at least 1,000 people were killed while hundreds other were rendered homeless.

In a statement, the UN humanitarian agency OCHA said, four districts in Paktika province, Gayan, Barmala, Naka and Ziruk as well as Spera district in Khost province were affected.

Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defence had dispatched five helicopters to Paktika province to facilitate medical evacuations while a medical team was also sent to Gayan district.  

Meanwhile, the UN Children’s Fund has dispatched several mobile health and nutrition teams to provide first aid to the injured.

The UNICEF Representative in Afghanistan, Dr Mohamed Ayoya reported that staff is also distributing critical aid, including kitchen equipment, hygiene supplies such as soap, detergent, towels and sanitary pads, as well as warm clothes, shoes, blankets and tents.