(FNA)- Iranian Interior Minister Mostafa Mohammad Najjar announced on Sunday that the government is making strenuous efforts in sending aid to the quake-hit East Azarbaijan province, and said the devastated areas will be rebuilt soon.

"The devastated areas will be rebuilt strongly," Mohammad Najjar told FNA in East Azarbaijan province, adding that all buildings will be made quake-resistant in the area.

He also reiterated that aid workers of the countries' different bodies are now on the scene trying to meet the needs of the quake-stricken people and remove the deficiencies in the area.

The Iranian cabinet members also in a message on Sunday extended their condolences to the people of East Azarbaijan province on the death of their beloved ones in the devastating earthquake on Saturday.

At least 250 people were killed and over 1,800 others injured by the Saturday earthquakes that rocked Northwestern Iran.

"According to the latest reports, 250 people have been killed and more than 1,800 others have been injured by the two earthquakes which shook the East Azarbaijan province yesterday," Iran's Deputy Interior Minister Hassan Qaddami told FNA on Sunday.

The official mentioned that the rescue and relief operations have ended, and added, "A number of 110 villages have been damaged."

According to provincial officials, 4 villages have been destroyed completely, while 60 others have sustained damage from 50 to 80 percent in Ahar region.

Also, local officials said that 12 villages have been destroyed completely in Varzaqan region.

"We hope that the death toll will not increase any more," Qaddami said.

News ID 182433