By Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Nov 6: Following the devastating earthquake that struck western Nepal on Friday, the foremost Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama expressed his sorrow to the Prime Minister and people of Nepal. The exiled Tibetan spiritual leader expressed his profound sympathy for the loss of lives caused by the natural disaster.
The Dalai Lama released a statement on Monday, in which he extended his heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones, stating, “I offer my condolences to the families of those who have lost loved ones, and pray for all those affected by this tragedy.”
The Dalai Lama also acknowledged the Nepalese government’s vigorous efforts to provide support for rescue and relief operations in the earthquake-affected areas. “I understand that everything is being done by your government, as well as related agencies, to provide necessary help and support to the people affected by this calamity,” the letter further stated.
The octogenarian leader has offered an undisclosed sum of donations to assist in the ongoing rescue and relief efforts in Nepal. “As a token of my solidarity with the people of Nepal, I hope to be able to make a donation towards the rescue and relief efforts,” he wrote.
The earthquake with a magnitude of 6.4 struck Jajarkot and West Rukum, located approximately 500 km west of the capital, Kathmandu. The quake which occurred at 11:47 pm on Friday, had far-reaching effects, with strong tremors being felt in the Nepalese capital and neighbouring cities in India, including Delhi. The death toll has surged past 150 individuals, 105 people lost their lives in Jajarkot, which was at the epicenter of the quake and 52 deaths have been reported in the adjoining district of Rukum. Over 375 people have been reported injured.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal personally visited the earthquake-affected districts. He was accompanied by doctors, health workers, and relief materials, including medicines, to provide immediate assistance to the affected population. During his visit, the Prime Minister instructed the concerned agencies to immediately enhance the effectiveness of search, rescue, and relief operations in the affected areas, the Kathmandu Post reported.
