Iran quake kills at least 400

TEHRAN, Iran (CNN) -- At least 400 people have been killed and many more have been injured after an earthquake and an aftershock struck a number of provinces in northwestern Iran early Saturday.

Severe structural damage was reported to buildings in villages throughout the region, which is rugged and mountainous according to the official Islamic Republic News Agency.

The Red Crescent, which has mobilized to aid the residents of the region, believes the number of casualties will rise. The first quake took place just before 7:30 a.m. local time (0230 GMT). IRNA reported that the quake, centered in Qazvin province, was measured as a 5.2 magnitude temblor.

Four hours later, an aftershock occurred, centered in Hamadan province, also measured at a magnitude of 5.2, IRNA said.

EXTRA INFORMATION • Flash animation: Major earthquakes of 20th century  • Timeline: Major earthquakes in last 20 years     MAGNITUDE GUIDE Below is an interactive guide to earthquake magnitude and severity: Magnitude: Less than 3.5 3.5 - 5.4 Under 6.0 6.1 - 6.9 7.0 - 7.9 8 or greater

Iranian military forces have airdropped blankets, food, and medicine to people in the region and are helping people set up shelters.

U.S. center gives quake higher magnitude

Earlier, the National Earthquake Information Center in Colorado said the first quake had a 6.3 magnitude.

Mohammad Hossein Parvinian, deputy governor of Qazvin province, told IRNA that 10 villages were damaged "between 50-90 percent and rescue teams have been sent to the region." The villages are near the towns of Bou'in-Zahra and Avaj in Qazvin province, he said.

In 1963, a deadly earthquake hit the same area, killing 12,225 people and demolishing 124 villages in one of Iran's most devastating natural disasters, according to the Associated Press.

Iran lies on a major seismic line and is prone to quakes. Moderate tremors are reported in various parts of Iran almost daily.