Northwestern Iran was struck Saturday by a series of major earthquakes, the strongest registering magnitude 6.4, as local media reported dozens of people dead and hundreds hurt.

Hassan Ghadami told Fars news agency that the death toll was 153, Reuters reported.  Fars news reported 600 others were injured.  The quakes reportedly destroyed four villages. Officials asked residents in affected areas to stay outdoors through the night, the news agency reported.

The U.S. Geological Survey had no immediate word on fatalities and damage, but logged the magnitude 6.4 quake  and a 6.3 quake  midday. There were numerous aftershocks, registering as high as magnitude 5.0.

Iranian state TV said at least 87 people were dead and 400 injured, with hundreds of homes damaged. The quake hit near the town of Ahar in East Azerbaijan province.