Authorities in Russia have begun a major clean-up involving thousands of people following a meteorite explosion in the Ural region.

The meteorite weighing about 10 tonnes hit Russia's Ural Mountains on Friday and spread a panic wave across the region after the shockwaves shook buildings and smashed windows. Reports say that about 1,200 people were injured after the meteor exploded in the sky above Ural Mountains on Friday.

The government has mobilised a team of 20,000 for the rescue and clean-up operations and the Russian Army has also joined the mission. Army units are already locating pieces of the meteorite in Chelyabinsk region and Tyumen region. Three aircrafts are also flying to identify the areas affected by the incidence.

President Vladimir Putin ordered the major rescue and clean up mission in the region after it was reported that 1,200 people, including 200 children were injured due to the shockwaves after explosion. Most people were injured due to flying glasses in Chelyabinsk and SverdLovsk regions. According to officials, most of the injured have suffered minor cuts and bruises but some have been reported with major head injuries.