Dalai Lama expresses grief, condoles loss of lives in Sikkim flash floods, Trust to donate for relief and rescue ops

Spiritual leader Dalai Lama has expressed grief and condoles the loss of lives and widespread damage to property in Sikkim as a result of the flash flood on Tuesday night.

“In a letter to Prem Singh Tamang, Chief Minister of Sikkim, His Holiness the Dalai Lama expressed his sadness about the loss of life and widespread damage to property that has occurred in Sikkim as a result of the flash flood that took place in the Teesta River Valley last night,” a press statement from his office said.
“I offer my condolences to families who have lost loved ones, as well as others affected by this disaster, and pray for their welfare,” the release said quoting the spiritual leader.

The Tibetan spiritual leader further said that, as a mark of his solidarity with the people of Sikkim, he has asked the Dalai Lama Trust to make a donation towards relief and rescue efforts.

“I commend the State government and other concerned authorities for all they are doing to provide relief to people affected by this calamity. As a mark of my solidarity with the people of Sikkim, I have asked the Dalai Lama Trust to make a donation towards relief and rescue efforts,” Dalai Lama said.

As per official reports, death toll stands at 18 though unofficial reports put it at over 30, and nearly 100 people remain missing including 22 Indian Army personnel.

Dalai Lama’s visit to Sikkim has been postponed by a week. He will now visit the state from October 16 to 22 instead of the earlier schedule of five days from October 10-15.