Officials in Iran say 180 people have been killed in two strong earthquakes just minutes apart in the country's northwest, near the city of Tabriz.

An estimated 1,300 people were injured. State television reported at least six villages were completely leveled, while 60 others sustained damage ranging from 50 to 80 percent.

Geological officials differed slightly on magnitude measurements, but both Tehran University and the U.S. Geological Survey put the magnitude of both at 6 or above.

A number of aftershocks have rumbled through the area, and officials are urging people in the area to spend the night outdoors in case of more temblors.

Earthquakes are common in Iran, but few are significant enough to be noticed.