UN says ready to assist quake-affected Afghanistan, Pakistan

UNITED NATIONS - The United Nations said on Monday that it stands ready to support Afghanistan and Pakistan after a powerful earthquake struck northeastern Afghanistan.

Earlier on Monday, a 7.5-magnitude earthquake hit Afghanistan's northeastern region, also rattling people in Pakistan, India and Tajikistan.

Reports said more than 220 people were killed and 1,200 others were injured in Pakistan due to the earthquake. While in Afghanistan, preliminary reports confirmed that 34 were killed and 212 injured.

"United Nations agencies are mobilizing and stand ready to support Government-led relief operations in both countries, if requested," said a statement released by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's spokesperson.

Ban also sent his condolences to the people affected and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

"The Secretary-General's thoughts are with the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan today in the aftermath of the powerful earthquake that struck Badakshan province in Afghanistan," said the statement.