In Afghanistan, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake hit north of the city of Herat today, the same region its third in a week.

The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre said it was at a depth of 10km and affected the same region as last week's earthquakes, which killed almost 2,500 people.

The United Nations said at least six villages in rural Zenda Jan district have been completely destroyed and more than 12,000 people affected by the tremors.