Singapore's President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have written to China's President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang respectively to express their condolences over the fatal blasts that ripped through an industrial area in the Chinese port city of Tianjin on Thursday.

President Tan, who said he was "saddened" to hear of the incident in his letter to Mr Xi, conveyed his "deepest condolences" to the victims and their families on behalf of the people of Singapore.

He pointed out that Tianjin was home to many Singaporeans, including those who worked in the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city. Thus, he thanked Mr Xi and the Tianjin government for their assistance to Singaporeans who were affected by the disaster.

PM Lee, in his letter to Mr Li, said he was "shocked" to hear about the "tragic explosions", and conveyed his "thoughts and good wishes" to the victims, their families and "our friends from China".

Mr Lee added that he was "confident" that "rescue operations will be conducted effectively" and the situation will be brought under control quickly.

He also told the Chinese Premier that Singapore would be ready to offer support to the Chinese government and the Tianjin authorities, should they need it.