At least 180 killed in earthquake in Iran

n quick succession two powerful earthquakes struck northwestern Iran. Several villages were totally destroyed and at least 180 people died and over 1000 injured.
Quakes occurred northeast of the city of millions of Tabriz on Saturday. Thousands fled into the streets and was asked to stay outside until the aftershocks had subsided.
- Sixty villages were destroyed between 60 and 80 per cent and four villages is 100 percent destroyed, said Khalil Saie, head of the country's disaster center to state television.
Worst affected cities and Ahar Varzaqan which was near epicenter. Rescue efforts were hampered by the communication links were broken after the quakes. Injured taken to the nearby cities of Tabriz and Ardebil, both of which fared relatively lightly. Hundreds were trapped under collapsed buildings.