Ban in a message Monday condoled with Iranian government and nation, and expressed sympathy with bereaved family members of devastative Saturday quake in Northwestern Iran.
The UN Chief Ban has in his message also announced the United Nations' readiness for forwarding any kind of international contributions and offering any type of required assistance for the quake hit regions.
Ban also expressed his deep sympathy over the death of more than 306 people in two powerful earthquakes in Northwestern Iran.
Ban "extends his sincere condolences to the Iranian government and people, particularly the families of those who have been killed or otherwise affected in this disaster," a statement issued by Ban's spokesman said.
"The United Nations stands ready to lend its assistance to efforts to respond to humanitarian needs created by the disaster and to mobilize international support for that response," the statement further read.
An earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale jolted Ahar in East Azerbaijan province at 16:00 hours local time (1130GMT) Saturday. The epicenter of the quake was located in an area 46.8 degrees in longitude and 38.4 degrees in latitude.
Almost an hour later another quake with magnitude 6 on the Richter scale jolted Varzaqan at 17:04 hours local time (1234GMT) in the same province. The epicenter of the quake was located in an area 46.7 degrees in longitude and 38.4 degrees in latitude.
Medical officials announced Monday that the twin quakes which struck parts of Northwestern Iran on Saturday have claimed the lives of 306 people and injured more than 4,500 others.
According to provincial officials, 4 villages have been destroyed completely, while 60 others have sustained damage from 50 to 80 percent in Ahar region.
Also, local officials said that 12 villages have been destroyed completely in Varzaqan region.
Iran sits astride several major faults in the earth's crust, and is prone to frequent earthquakes, many of which have been devastating.
isna/281
Publish Date: 14 August 2012 - 14:15
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon extended his condolences to the Iranian people on the death of their beloved ones in two devastating earthquakes, offering UN's humanitarian aid for survivors.