Italy and Russia sent planeloads of tents, blankets and other supplies to help 21,000 Iranian families left homeless by three strong earthquakes that hit in quick succession, killing 70 people.

Three strong earthquakes and several aftershocks jolted western Iran overnight, killing at least 66 people and injuring about 1,200 others, state television reported today.

Two strong earthquakes followed by several aftershocks jolted western Iran early today, killing at least 38 and injuring hundreds, state media reported.