President A P J Abdul Kalam has said that India is prepared to extend assistance to the earthquake-hit people of Iran "in whatever manner is required."

Also Read Massive earthquake in Iran

At least 4,000 people were killed and 30,000 injured on Friday morning when a massive earthquake completely destroyed Iran's historic fort city of Bam, triggering a major international relief effort.

In a message to his Iranian counterpart Syed Mohammed Khatami, Kalam said, "With great sadness and grief, we learnt about the tragic earthquake in Iran which has taken many lives and caused immense loss of lives.

"On behalf of the government and the people of India and on my own behalf, I express my condolences to the families of victims and to the Iranian nation on this tragedy."

Deputy Prime Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani expressed shock over the disaster caused by the quake and expressed heartfelt condolences for those affected of the tragedy.