Afghanistan rocked by major earthquake

A powerful earthquake has hit Afghanistan, killing over 1,000 people and injuring at least 1,500.

The magnitude 6.1 event struck the east of the country shortly after 01:30 on Wednesday (21:00 GMT Tuesday), as people were sleeping.

Hundreds of houses were destroyed and helicopters were deployed to evacuate those affected. The ruling Taliban have appealed for international help with the rescue effort.