The Taliban says the death toll from a major earthquake in eastern Afghanistan has passed 1400, with more than 3000 people injured, as the United Nations warns of an exponential rise in casualties.

The figures provided by Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on Tuesday were just for the province of Kunar.

Sunday night's (Monday morning AEST) powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck several provinces , causing extensive damage. It flattened villages and trapped people under the rubble of homes constructed mostly of mud bricks and wood that were unable to withstand the shock.

Rough terrain is hampering rescue and relief efforts, forcing Taliban authorities to air drop dozens of commandos to evacuate the injured from places where helicopters cannot land.

An aftershock of

See Full Page