“We express our sincere condolences to the families of the earthquake victims, share the grief of the Afghan people, and wish a speedy recovery to all those affected,” the Foreign Ministry of Uzbekistan said in a statement.

The MFA added that Uzbekistan stands in solidarity with Afghanistan and its people in these difficult times.

The Saturday earthquake magnitude was 6.3. It hit the Herat province – the third largest in Afghanistan.

Afghan officials put the number killed at 2,053 people, with more than 1,240 people hurt and 1,320 houses completely or partially destroyed. There are fears the toll could rise further.