Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has expressed deep sorrow over the heavy loss of life caused by sudden devastating floods and landslides along the Nepal-Tibet border in the Himalayan region.
In a statement issued Thursday morning, the 89-year-old Buddhist spiritual leader said he was deeply saddened by reports of the disaster and prayed for the peace of those who lost their lives. He also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and everyone affected by the tragedy.
Referring to the region’s history of repeated natural disasters, the Dalai Lama said such events could be signs of deeper underlying causes, including climate change or other environmental factors.
He expressed hope that appropriate and effective measures would be taken to prevent such catastrophic disasters from recurring in the future.
The latest disaster has left hundreds of pilgrims and local residents missing across the Tibet-border and adjoining Himalayan areas, according to reports.
The Dalai Lama has lived in exile in India since leaving Tibet in 1959. He has long advocated greater autonomy for Tibet, while China regards him as a separatist leader.
His statement comes as rescue and recovery efforts continue following the devastating floods and landslides that have caused widespread casualties and disappearances in Nepal and Tibet.
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