Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko has said in a statement that she is "deeply saddened by the large number of deaths and the extensive damage" that was caused by the quakes in western Afghanistan on Saturday.

She offered condolences for the loss of life and expressed her sympathy to the victims of the disaster.

Kamikawa says "Japan endeavors to swiftly provide necessary assistance, by collaborating with international organizations, so that the people in the affected areas can overcome the hardships they are facing."

The foreign minister says "Japan stands with the people of Afghanistan and will continue to work on the improvement of the humanitarian situation" in the country.