Earthquake death toll climbs to 275 in Pakistan, 90 in Afghanistan

A powerful earthquake that originated in northern Afghanistan has killed about 90 people in the country and at least 275 in neighboring Pakistan, local media reported Tuesday.

On Monday, the 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan's northeastern Hindu Kush region, causing severe damage to infrastructure both in the country and in neighboring areas.

According to the Pakistani news outlet The Nation, more than 2,000 people were injured in Pakistan alone.

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who was on a visit to the United Kingdom, was forced to immediately return to his country to personally supervise and monitor the rescue and relief activities, according to a statement from his office.

Rescue efforts are reportedly being expanded in remote mountainous areas in both of the quake-hit countries to provide assistance to those affected.

/By AzerTac/