US Offers Sympathy to Earthquake Victims in Tibet

Dharamsala, Jan 8 (NationPress) The United States has expressed its sympathy to all individuals affected by the earthquake that struck southern Tibet on January 7.

“We are diligently observing the situation and are prepared to assist upon request from the US government,” stated State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller on X on Wednesday (IST).

Offering sincere condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of those who lost their lives, were injured, or displaced due to the earthquake in southern Tibet, where temperatures have plummeted below freezing, US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, Uzra Zeya, remarked, “We stand in solidarity with the Tibetan and other communities affected and wish them a speedy recovery.”

A significant earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale hit the Shigatse region of Tibet on Tuesday, as reported by the US Geological Survey.

At least 126 individuals have tragically lost their lives, with over 180 others sustaining injuries. Approximately 1,500 fire and rescue personnel have been mobilized to search for those trapped under the debris, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management.

“I extend my prayers to those who have perished and send my best wishes for a rapid recovery to everyone injured,” expressed the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader currently living in exile in India.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu commented on X: “Our prayers are with all individuals impacted by this tragedy, and we hope for a swift recovery for those injured.”

The International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) has urged the Chinese government to guarantee that all relief operations are conducted fairly, inclusively, and transparently, prioritizing the safety and welfare of the Tibetan people.

“Aid and relief efforts should remain non-political,” the ICT emphasized in a statement.

The earthquake's epicenter was located in Dingri County, a region in the Himalayas near the Nepalese border, known for its severe weather conditions and high altitude.

Shigatse, a city of historical significance in Tibet, is recognized as the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, one of the highest spiritual authorities in Tibetan Buddhism.

Since the 1995 forced disappearance of the 11th Panchen Lama by the Chinese authorities, the city has symbolized the ongoing political and cultural oppression faced by Tibetans under Chinese governance.

In light of this tragedy, it is essential that relief and recovery initiatives, along with reconstruction efforts, actively involve and include the Tibetan community, the ICT stated.

Previous incidents, like the 2010 earthquake in Kyegudo, where Tibetans were sidelined from relief operations, must not be repeated. During that disaster, Tibetan monks and local communities played a vital role in assisting victims but faced obstruction from Chinese authorities, leading to reports of widespread corruption and mismanagement of aid, according to the ICT.

Tibet is situated in one of the globe's most seismically active regions, making it crucial to implement long-term disaster preparedness and risk reduction strategies to safeguard the Tibetan population.

Furthermore, the international community should maintain vigilant oversight of the situation, ensuring that any assistance provided is distributed fairly and transparently.