Over 2,000 people have died in Afghanistan following several earthquakes overnight, according to the Taliban. 

A 6.3 magnitude quake struck near the city of Herat in the west, followed by three strong aftershocks measuring 6.3, 5.9 and 5.5. 

The Ministry of Disasters said 2,053 people have been killed and a further 9,240 are injured. 

More than 1,300 homes have also been destroyed. 

Afghan men search for victims after an earthquake in the Herat province, 8/10/2023. Image: AP/Alamy Stock Photo

Videos on social media showed hundreds of people in the streets outside their homes and offices in Herat city while other footage shows people attempting to retrieve others stuck under rubble. 

Search and rescue operations are ongoing for hundreds of civilians feared to be buried under debris. 

Afghan men search for victims after an earthquake in the Herat province, 8/10/2023. Image: AP/Alamy Stock Photo

Ministry for Arts and Information Spokesperson Abdul Wahid Rayan said online charity organisations have so far not taken enough action to support those in the aftermath of the earthquake. 

He said six separate villages have been destroyed and called for urgent help. 

In June last year, a powerful earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan killing at least 1,000 people and injuring about 1,500 more. It was Afghanistan's deadliest in two decades.