Dhaka, Nov. 4 -- Survivors of a powerful earthquake in northern Afghanistan spent Monday night outdoors in freezing temperatures as rescue operations continued and historical sites suffered damage.

The 6.3-magnitude quake struck just before 1 a.m. Monday near Khulm in Samangan province, killing 21 and injuring over 800, including 25 seriously, according to Afghanistan's National Disaster Management Authority. Rain forecast for the region has added to the hardships of those affected.

The earthquake damaged significant landmarks, including the famed Blue Mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif and the 19th-century Bagh-e Jehan Nama Palace in Khulm. Minarets, walls, and towers were cracked or collapsed, prompting calls for urgent restoration before winte...