180 Dead After Iran Earthquake

Two strong earthquakes struck villages in northwest Iran today, killing at least 180 people and injuring some 1,350 more, according to state media. Measuring 6.3 and 6.4, the quakes claimed most of their victims about 30 miles northeast of the city of Tabriz, NBC News reports. One official said six villages were leveled and another 60 villages were 50% to 70% leveled.

People poured into the streets out of fear, and officials are urging them to stay outside overnight in case of aftershocks; more than 20 measuring 4.5 to 5.0 have already struck. The quakes have cut off phone communications to several villages, hampering rescue efforts, but more than 200 people have already been pulled from collapsed buildings in the villages Varzaghan and Ahar. One lawmaker says tents, bread, and water are badly needed. (More Iran stories.)