The World Health Organization warned Tuesday of severe shortages of medicine and health services for survivors of the earthquake in eastern Afghanistan, saying thousands remain at risk.

Hanan Balkhy, the WHO’s regional director, said the organisation has dispatched medicines, emergency equipment and support teams to affected areas but described the needs as overwhelming.

She added that more than 1,400 people have lost their lives in the tragic earthquake in Afghanistan and more than 3,100 others have been injured. Balkhi added that hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties, the psychological pressure is immense, and there is a risk of disease outbreaks.

She said the WHO sent public health experts to the quake zone within hours of the disaster and has since begun large-scale support operations. Those efforts include delivering 23 tonnes of trauma medicines and emergency supplies, setting up field tents to expand hospital capacity, deploying mobile teams to provide psychological support and strengthening disease surveillance.

Balkhy stressed that survivors urgently need clean drinking water and basic health services. The WHO said it has provided about $4 million to address immediate needs.