The toll of the strong earthquake that struck western Afghanistan yesterday, with a magnitude of 6.3 on the Richter scale, has risen to 2000 dead.

This was reported by the Associated Press, citing local officials who stated that the number of casualties from the earthquake in Herat is higher than initially reported, explaining that about 6 villages were destroyed, and hundreds of civilians were buried under the rubble.

Officials added that 465 houses were reported destroyed and 135 other houses were damaged due to the earthquake, which is one of the most severe tremors to hit the country in two decades.

The United Nations also confirmed that local partners and authorities expect the death toll to rise as search and rescue efforts continue amid reports that some individuals may be trapped under the collapsed buildings.