World Leaders, Politicians Express Solidarity With Tibet After Deadly Earthquake
By Tenzin Chokyi
DHARAMSALA, 8 Dec: After a massive earthquake hit Tingri, Tibet on Tuesday morning, leaders and representatives from across the world have expressed deep condolences to the people of Tibet.
“Our thoughts are with the people of Tibet and the surrounding areas impacted by the devastating earthquake. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims’ families, and we pray that rescue and aid efforts reach those in need to ensure a swift recovery,” Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday.
Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in a post on his X account, “Government and people of India express condolences on the tragic loss of life and property caused by the devastating earthquake in the Tibet Autonomous Region.”
Matthew Miller, the spokesperson for the United States Department of State, said, “We are closely monitoring the situation and stand ready to respond to requests for US government assistance.”
The Tibetan government in exile announced a special prayer service to mourn the lost lives of fellow Tibetans in Tibet due to the earthquake at 3:30 pm at the Dalai Lama temple in McLeodganj. The prayer will be followed by a candlelight vigil at 5:30 pm, organised collectively by the Tibetan Youth Congress, Tibetan Women’s Association, National Democratic Party of Tibet, and Students for a Free Tibet at the Main Square, McLeodganj.
Tibetans across the diaspora have also organised prayer services and candlelight vigils in solidarity with the Tibetans affected by the earthquake.
Several other world leaders, including the Prime Ministers of Japan, the US Special Coordinator for Tibetan issues Ms Uzra Zeya, and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs among others also took to social media to express their solidarity with Tibet and offered humanitarian assistance if needed.
According to the latest report by Chinese state-run media Xinhua, the death toll has risen to 126 with 188 cases of injuries, while the natural calamity has also toppled 3,609 houses. The report further added that 407 trapped people have been rescued and over 30,000 affected residents have been evacuated and relocated.
The temperatures in the area are forecast to drop to minus 17 degrees Celsius, making it even more tragic for the relocated people who have lost their homes. The report stated, “Rescuers are racing against time to set up tents for the relocated people.”
