Dalai Lama postpones his Sikkim visit owing to current flood situation in the state

Earlier, the spiritual leader had expressed grief and condoles the loss of lives and widespread damage to property in Sikkim

Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama who was scheduled to pay a five-day visit to Sikkim from October 16-22 has postponed his visit until further notice, owing to the current disaster in the Himalayan State caused by floods following the glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) at the Lhonak Lake in the Chungthang area of North Sikkim.

“In view of the recent disaster in Sikkim caused by floods and the ongoing focus of the state machinery in relief efforts, the planned visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Gangtok and Salugara scheduled from October 16 to 22 has been postponed until further notice. We apologise for the inconvenience caused. Our prayers are with the people and state of Sikkim,’ read the statement issued by the private office of the spiritual leader.

Earlier on October 5, the spiritual leader had expressed grief and condoles the loss of lives and widespread damage to property in Sikkim as a result of the flash flood.

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.

As per official reports, death toll stands at 52 , while over 140 people remain missing including 12 Indian Army personnel.

Copy edited by Lipika Roy

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

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