Tensions are flaring between the Iranian government and the Iranian people, who are criticizing minimal rescue efforts in the aftermath of tandem magnitude 6.3 and 6.4 earthquakes that rattled Iran's northwest East Azerbaijan province Saturday.

"People are pessimistic about getting help from the Red Crescent, the Basij or any government groups. No one trusts the government to help us through this crisis," said human rights activist and former political prisoner, Hamid, in an interview with Fox News. Hamid's full name has been left out for his security.

The death toll is now 306, with 3,037 injured, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.  The quake mostly affected women and children, who were home in the afternoon. An estimated 16,000 people are homeless.

The government has shown little compassion and has been slow in response and unreliable in allocating aid supplies, according to many.