Dalai Lama Offers Condolences Following Loss of Life and Injuries in Tibet Earthquake

Dharamsala, Jan 7 (NationPress) The Tibetan spiritual leader, Dalai Lama, conveyed his profound sadness on Tuesday regarding the catastrophic earthquake that hit Tibet and its adjacent areas, resulting in the tragic loss of many lives, countless injuries, and severe damage to homes and public infrastructure.

“I offer my prayers for those who have lost their lives and extend my wishes for a swift recovery to all who have been injured,” he stated from Bylakuppe Tibetan settlement in Karnataka.

As reported, a total of 95 individuals lost their lives and 130 sustained injuries after a powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Tibet, causing tremors that were felt in neighboring Nepal, Bhutan, and even parts of India.

In India, the shockwaves were felt in Bihar, Assam, and West Bengal.

The earthquake's epicenter was located in Tingri county, within Shigatse city, approximately 400 km southwest of Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, and near the border with Nepal. This area is a popular tourism destination for those wishing to visit Mount Everest.

Previously, in 2010, the Dalai Lama had urged Beijing to permit him to visit a Tibetan region that had suffered from a severe earthquake, expressing his desire to provide comfort to the victims.

“To fulfill the wishes of many of the people there, I am eager to go there myself to offer them comfort,” he remarked in a statement from his residence in Dharamsala, located in northern India.

At that time, over 1,000 individuals had perished and more than 11,744 were injured when a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Yushu in the Tibetan Autonomous Region.

“Due to the physical distance between us, I am currently unable to comfort those directly affected. I commend the monastic community, young people, and numerous individuals from nearby areas for their commendable support and assistance to the families who have lost everything,” he stated.

Since fleeing his homeland in 1959, the Dalai Lama has resided in the hill station of Dharamsala, India. More than 150,000 Tibetans currently live outside Tibet, predominantly in India.