Dharamsala, May 7: A resolution has been introduced in the the US House of Representatives this week expressing its “its deepest condolences and sympathies for the loss of life and the physical and psychological damage” caused by the earthquake “measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale” that hit Kyegudo last month.
The House Resolution no. 1324 was submitted by Congressman Mr. McMohan (for himself, Mr. Manzullo, Ms. Richardson, Ms. Speier, Ms. Lee of California, Ms. Bordallo, Mr. Honda, Mr. Schiff, and Mr. Wilson of South Carolina) during the second session of the 111th Congress, and was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
The resolution, which was introduced on Tuesday (May 4), said the congress would extend “support for the recovery and long-term reconstruction needs” of the residents of the areas affected by the earthquake, including the “restoration of monasteries and other Tibetan Buddhist sites that are integral to the preservation of Tibetan culture and religious traditions.”
The resolution, while expressing solidarity with the people of the quake-hit area, also takes keen note of the “vital role” played by thousands of Tibetan monks, many of whom traveled long distances from other Tibetan areas, in relief efforts, providing food and assistance, and tending to the basic and spiritual needs of the victims.
It also takes note of the shortage of “medical supplies and tents” in the aftermath of the earthquake. The resolution further expects that the death toll from the earthquake will rise, saying rescue efforts were “stymied by a lack of heavy equipment and the mountainous terrain”.
According to Chinese state media, 2200 people have been confirmed dead, insisting that the earthquake was of a 7.1 magnitude. Unconfirmed sources from the quake-hit area, however, contend that many times the official figures had died.
Prime Minister of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile Prof Samdhong Rinpoche on Tuesday said the death toll from the April 14 earthquake was actually much more than the official figures placed by the Chinese government.
