New Delhi: India is prepared to extend assistance to Iran in providing relief to the earthquake-hit people of the country "in whatever manner is required".

"As a friend, India is ready to extend assistance in relief efforts in whatever manner is required," said President A P J Abdul Kalam in a message to his Iranian counterpart Syed Mohammad Khatami.

"With great sadness and grief, we learnt about the tragic earthquake in Iran, which has taken many lives and caused immense loss of lives," the message said.

"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," Kalam added.

Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani expressed shock over the disaster caused by the quake.

He expressed heartfelt condolences for the victims of the tragedy, whose magnitude was still not known.

At least 4,000 people were killed and 30,000 hurt when a massive earthquake completely destroyed the historic centre of Iran's fort city of Bam today, launching a major international relief effort.