Kabul, Sept. 1 -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday expressed his deepest condolences and pledged that the UN "will spare no effort" to assist Afghanistan after a powerful earthquake struck the country, leaving hundreds dead and thousands injured.

"I stand in full solidarity with the people of Afghanistan after the devastating earthquake that hit the country earlier today," Guterres said, as per UN news.

"I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to those injured. The UN team in Afghanistan is mobilised and will spare no effort to assist those in need in the affected areas, Guterres further said.

According to the UN news, the tremor, which struck around midnight ...