Taliban, which came to power after the fall of a Western-backed government, has appealed for international assistance following the devastating earthquake in Afghanistan.

Abdul Qahar Balkhi, a senior Taliban official, said in a statement that Afghanistan needs an international assistance as they are in the midst of a humanitarian and economic crisis and that the government is unable to provide financial assistance to its people.

The quake has so far killed more than 1,000 people and injured more than 1,500. Houses and physical structures have been destroyed. Heavy rains and a lack of resources have hampered rescue efforts. Rescuers say the death toll could rise further.