(VOVworld) – The United Nations (UN) said on Monday that it stands ready to support Afghanistan and Pakistan after a powerful earthquake struck northeastern Afghanistan.

An Afghan boy looks at a damaged house following an earthquake, in Kabul, Afghanistan, Monday, Oct. 26, 2015 (photo: reuters)

Reports said the 7.5-magnitude earthquake killed more than 220 people and injured 1,200 others.UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said UN agencies stand ready to support Government-led relief operations in both countries, if requested.

Pakistan's Information Minister Pervez Rashid said Pakistan would not issue any appeals to the international community for help because the country has the required resources to carry out the rescue and relief work. He added Pakistani civil and military authorities were doing their best to reach those affected by the quake.

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif cut short his official visit to the US and returned home on Tuesday to directly instruct the rescue work. Experts said the depth of the earthquake was over 200 km and the landslide will likely to hinder the rescue activities.