Helicopter teams lead Afghanistan rescue as earthquake kills more than 800

BBC News, Sept.2: Helicopter teams are searching remote villages in Afghanistan for survivors of a magnitude 6.0-earthquake that happened on Sunday and has left more than 800 people dead, according to the UN's humanitarian agency.

The earthquake struck the mountainous Kunar province on Sunday and with raods blocked by debris, rescue operations need to be carried out by air.

The death toll could rise significantly as many are still feared to be trapped under the rubble, while officials report entire villages being destroyed.

Hot meals and blankets are being prepared by the UN, its lead coordinator in Afghanistan has told the BBC.

The Taliban has called for international aid, with the UK pledging £1m in relief funding, stressing that the money will not go into the Taliban's hands.

The quake struck at a shallow depth of 8km (5mi) - which can be more destructive - and shook buildings from Kabul to Pakistan's capital Islamabad.