KABUL - The number of quake-related casualties in northern Afghanistan's Samangan and Balkh provinces has gone up as rescue operations continue, said Sharafat Zaman Omarkhil, spokesman for the country's Public Health Ministry.

According to the official, more than 20 people lost their lives and over 380 others sustained injuries after a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck parts of Afghanistan, including the capital city of Kabul, early Monday at 00:58 am local time.

Rescue teams have been sent to the affected areas to recover dead bodies and help the affected individuals.

The Bakhtar news agency reported that the defense ministry has also sent rescuers to the quake-affected areas.

In late August, an earthquake left more than 2,200 dead and 3,500 injured in the country's eastern Kunar province.