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At least 311 dead as earthquake devastates south Asia

A powerful earthquake struck northern Afghanistan, with tremors also felt in Pakistan and India.

Rescue workers say at least 311 people have died across Pakistan and Afghanistan following the 7.5-magnitude quake.

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Death toll from devastating south Asia earthquake hits 275

The death toll from a devastating earthquake which rocked northern Afghanistan and Pakistan has risen to "at least" 275.

Thousands of people have braved near-freezing temperatures and spent the night outdoors, for fear of more buildings coming down in further aftershocks.

Hundreds of buildings were destroyed Credit: Reuters

Hundreds of buildings were destroyed as the initial magnitude 7.5 quake struck on Monday afternoon, followed by seven aftershocks which measured as high as 4.8 on the Richter scale.

The figure includes 228 people killed in Pakistan - and the death toll is expected to rise in the coming days as rescue workers make their way to difficult, remote mountain villages where communication are down.

Operations have been hampered by the possibility of landslides making the terrain even more dangerous, as well as security concerns as the region is suffering an escalating Taliban insurgency.

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