By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, Aug. 18: Exiled Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama has expressed his condolences towards the families of the people who have died in the massive flood in south Indian state of Kerala due to incessant rain. The Tibetan leader has also offered a financial donation for the relief and rescue efforts there.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan, the Dalai Lama wrote, “I am writing to express my sadness at the loss of life and devastation of property as well as the hardship caused to so many people due to unprecedented flooding in parts of your state.”
“I appreciate that every effort is being made to rescue those affected and that relief efforts are underway. As a mark of my solidarity with the people of Kerala, I am making a donation from the Gaden Phodrang Trust of the Dalai Lama towards relief and rescue efforts,” the letter further stated.
Due to the massive rains in the state since August 8, the state has experienced the worst flood in a century causing death of hundreds while thousands have been displaced.
According the State Disaster Management, the death toll has risen to 194 and over 3.14 lakh people moved to relief camps. Kerala which saw massive destructions in property and infrastructure is said to have suffered a loss of Rs 19,512 crore.
Indian PM Narendra Modi has announced a grant of Rs 500 crore and ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh per person to the next kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to those seriously injured from the PM’s National Relief Fund.
