The UN Refugee Agency on Wednesday appealed for urgent assistance for survivors of the earthquake in eastern Afghanistan.

The agency warned that many areas have been completely destroyed and survivors are in desperate need of shelter, medical care and emergency supplies.

The agency said its response is hampered by a severe shortage of funding.

A UNHCR staff member who visited the quake-hit areas said in a video message that they are witnessing widespread needs, whether medical aid, emergency supplies or shelter, as many villages have been completely destroyed by this earthquake.

The United Nations noted that the arrival of more than 2 million migrants from neighbouring countries has further compounded Afghanistan’s crises.

UNHCR added that this humanitarian response is facing a severe shortage of funding, and needs support to meet the most urgent needs of the affected people in Afghanistan.