The Taliban in Afghanistan have called for international support as the country faces the aftermath of a devastating 6.1 magnitude earthquake.

More than 1,000 people have died and at least 1,500 have been injured, a local official said.

Paktika Province in the southeast has been the most affected.

The UN is trying to provide urgent housing and food aid.

Rescue efforts are being hampered by heavy rain and hail, the

The deadliest earthquake to hit the country in two decades is a major challenge for the Taliban, the Islamic movement that regained power last year after the fall of the Western-backed government.

The quake's epicenter was about 44 km from the city of Khost and tremors were felt as far away as Pakistan and India.

"The government is unfortunately under sanctions, so it is financially incapable of helping the people to the extent necessary," said Abdul Qahar Balkhi, a senior Taliban official.

"Aid must be increased to a very large extent, because this is a devastating earthquake that has not been experienced for decades," he added.

The number of people trapped under the rubble is unknown.

Health and aid workers have said the rescue operation is particularly difficult due to heavy rain.

In remote areas, helicopters have transported victims to hospitals.

The UN and aid agencies in neighboring Pakistan are assisting with humanitarian efforts, which include setting up medical teams and securing medical supplies.