Abder Rahman Al-Attiya, who is participating in the evening meeting, told AFP that "the ministers are discussing a GCC programme to contribute to the reconstruction of regions struck by the earthquake."

"The aim of this meeting is to coordinate aid from Gulf countries to victims of Iran's earthquake," Attiya added.

"This catastrophe, which is affecting our brothers in Iran, necessitates the aid and help of all people," he told AFP earlier, expressing his condolences to the Iranian government and people.

The GCC groups Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Kuwait, the UAE and Saudi sent planeloads of emergency relief aid and medical teams Sunday for the victims of Friday's devastating earthquake that hit the southeastern city of Bam.

Qatar and Bahrain also announced they would be sending aid to their stricken neighbour.

Latest official estimates have put the number of people killed in the earthquake at about 30,000. State radio reported Monday that the bodies of 25,000 have already been buried.

More than 2,000 people have been pulled alive from the rubble while more than 12,000 injured have been evacuated for medical treatment in other provinces.

TERRA.WIRE