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🇸🇬 Singapore /Disasters & Emergencies

Dalai Lama Prays for Flood Victims, Cites 'Deeper Cause' for Disasters

From The Straits Times · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Buddhist spiritual leader the Dalai Lama offered prayers and condolences for victims of the devastating floods in Nepal and Tibet, which killed at least 165 people and left over 1,300 missing.
  • He suggested that recurring calamities in the region point to a "deeper underlying cause, whether climate change or other factors," and hoped for measures to prevent future disasters.
  • Penpa Tsering, leader of the Tibetan government-in-exile, also called the disaster a "catastrophe" and expressed heartbreak over the casualties and missing persons.

The Dalai Lama has offered prayers for the victims of the devastating floods that struck Nepal and Tibet, killing at least 165 people and leaving more than 1,300 missing. The Buddhist spiritual leader, who lives in exile in India, expressed his sympathy and heartfelt condolences to those affected by the tragedy.

I pray for all those who have lost their lives, and offer my sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved and to all those affected by this tragedy.

— The Dalai LamaExpressing his sorrow and support for the victims of the Nepal and Tibet floods.

Beyond immediate prayers, the Dalai Lama suggested that the recurring nature of such calamities in the region points to a "deeper underlying cause, whether climate change or other factors." He voiced hope that appropriate follow-up measures would be taken to prevent similar disasters from recurring, reflecting on the environmental changes impacting the Himalayan region.

Since this region has seen calamities in the past as well, these are certainly symptoms of a deeper underlying cause, whether climate change or other factors.

— The Dalai LamaReflecting on the potential root causes of the recurring disasters.

His comments come as Penpa Tsering, the leader of the India-based government of Tibetans in exile, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), described the disaster as a "catastrophe." Tsering conveyed his heartbreak over the casualties, widespread destruction, and the hundreds still unaccounted for, highlighting the profound impact of the floods on communities in the border region.

I hope that appropriate follow-up measures will be taken, wherever possible, to help ensure that such disasters do not recur.

— The Dalai LamaCalling for preventative actions to mitigate future natural disasters.

The Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet in 1959 after Chinese troops crushed an uprising, has been a prominent global figure advocating for greater autonomy for his homeland. Beijing, however, designates him as a separatist and rebel. The recent disaster underscores the vulnerability of the region to natural calamities, prompting calls for deeper reflection on their causes and prevention.

The news of casualties and widespread destruction, and of the hundreds still missing, is heartbreaking.

— Penpa TseringDescribing the impact of the disaster on the Tibetan community.
About this summary

Originally published by The Straits Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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