At least 20,000 people have died in a massive earthquake in the southeastern Iranian fort city of Bam. A further 50,000 have been injured.
Here, the Department of Foreign Affairs has allocated €1m to help the victims.
A three-day period of mourning has been declared in Kerman province, home to the devastated city.
Iranian media and authorities have broadcast urgent appeals across Iran for blood donations, blankets, food and clothes to help the victims of the quake.
It is reported that there are many corpses in the region and that many people are still buried beneath rubble.
The quake, measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale, was centred on Kerman.
The city of Bam is now said to have been completely destroyed, with almost all brick-built buildings, including the local hospital, razed to the ground.
Minister of State Tom Kitt said the Irish Government's funding was being provided for the rescue operation and to meet immediate humanitarian need.
He said it was essential to respond as quickly as possible to limit further loss of life.
The aid is being channelled primarily through the Red Crescent and other humanitarian agencies including the United Nations.
