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This magnitude 6.4 earthquake was the first of three to strike northeastern Iran on Saturday. (USGS)

DEVELOPING: 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.

An official said in local media reports cited by Reuters that 40 to 50 people were killed and 400 hurt, but those numbers couldn't be independently confirmed.

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, followed hours later by a magnitude 5.0 quake