It was roughly estimated that up to 10, 000 books were destroyed or badly damaged.

BBC: The curious tale of the stolen books

The Centre also helps coordinate the efforts of international bodies and agencies involved in rebuilding Afghanistan's communications infrastructure, which has been badly hit (and sometimes destroyed) by so many years of war.

UNESCO: Communication and Information

Last month's earthquake on the south coast destroyed several colonial churches and badly damaged others.

ECONOMIST: An overdue effort to protect antiquities

The police building was badly damaged, and 15 vehicles were destroyed.

CNN: Bombers kill 4 Iraqis, injure 11 GIs

Ex-Welsh Guardsman Mr Weston was badly burned when the Sir Galahad troop ship was destroyed.

BBC: Baroness Thatcher: A 'decisive' leader says Simon Weston