At least 20 people have died after an earthquake struck northern Afghanistan, local authorities say, with the toll expected to rise as rescue efforts continue. Hundreds have also been left injured, local officials told the BBC.

A strong earthquake struck northern Afghanistan late Sunday at a magnitude of 6.3, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported. The quake hit about 13 miles west-southwest of Khulm, which is about 230 miles northwest of the capital city of Kabul.

The disasters come as Brazil is set to open three weeks of events linked to the United Nations COP30 climate summit, hoping to showcase a world still determined to tackle global warming.

Hundreds of Afghan families left homeless after a 6.3-magnitude earthquake in northern provinces face a freezing winter with limited aid

The namesake of Mazar-i-Sharif suffered countless cracks in a 6.3-magnitude quake, but, like Afghanistan, it has endured for centuries.

Here is a look at why the war-shattered South Asian country experiences frequent tremors, and how their impact can be reduced.

A 6.3-magnitude quake near Mazar-e Sharif exposed Afghanistans seismic threat. Experts explained how the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates causes deadly, frequent tremors.

At least 20 people died and 643 others were injured after the tremors, deputy spokesman for Afghanistan's National Disaster Management Authority said