At least five people have lost their lives as magnitude 6.1 earthquake jolted Iran’s southern province of Hormozgan in the early hours of Saturday.

According to state media reports, more than 20 earthquakes with various magnitudes shook different parts of Hormozgan, three of which were above 6 on the Richter scale and the rest between three and four.

At least five people were killed by a magnitude 6.1 earthquake which hit the west of the province, Iran's Fars News Agency said, noting the area was also struck by two later strong quakes of up to 6.3 magnitude, leaving 44 people injured.