Hundreds are reportedly dead after strong earthquakes shook northwestern Iran near the major city of Tabriz Saturday afternoon.

Chaos ensued following the six-point-four and six-point-three magnitude quakes that occurred within a ten-minute interval.

Over 100 rural villages were devastated and casualties soared.

As rescue efforts unfold, at least 250 people are estimated to have been killed and some two thousand injured.

Korean residents and students there are believed to be safe.

As the aftershocks continue, 20-thousand residents have evacuated to outdoor tents prepared by the Red Crescent and other relief agencies.