Himachal rain rampage: Dalai Lama expresses sadness on loss of life, property, offers his sympathy and support

By Yungdung Tsomo

DHARAMSALA, 13 July: The Tibetan Spiritual leader has expressed deep sadness over the tragic death of many people and severe damage to roads and infrastructure in north India caused by the floods and landslides triggered by the torrential rains in Himachal Pradesh.

“Having lived so happily in this state for more than six decades, I feel a special affinity for the people here,” the Dalai Lama has said in a missive addressed to Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressing deep sadness over the havoc caused by the torrential rain across Himachal.

“I pray for those who have lost their lives and offer my heartfelt condolences to those families who have lost loved ones, as well as to others affected by this natural calamity,” the Dalai Lama added condoling the people of Himachal who are severely affected by the natural disaster

Acknowledging the rescue work underway in the North Indian state, the Dalai Lama added: “I understand that the state government and other agencies are doing everything they can to provide relief and mitigate the effects of this tragedy.”

As a mark of my solidarity with the people of the state, the Dalai Lama Trust has made a donation towards rescue and relief efforts.

Two Tibetan settlements, Yulo Ko and 15 Mile in the Kullu Manali area have suffered heavy damage to their houses with their daily lives greatly disturbed as the torrential rain wreaked havoc across Himachal Pradesh.

According to All India Radio, torrential rain across northern India has killed at least 100 people, causing landslides and flash floods in the region, especially in Himachal Pradesh, 80 people have lost their lives to rain-related incidents while the damage to infrastructure is estimated to up to ₹4,000 crore.