Dharamsala (HP), Aug 27: Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Thursday expressed grief over the loss of lives and destruction caused by severe flooding in Nepal and Tibet, while drawing attention to the possibility of deeper environmental causes behind the recurring disasters.
The Dalai Lama said he was saddened by the devastation reported in Nepal’s Rasuwa region and Kyirong in Tibet, where the floods have resulted in deaths and extensive damage to infrastructure and property.
Expressing sympathy to those affected, he conveyed his condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and expressed concern over the scale of destruction caused by the disaster.
He observed that the affected region has experienced natural calamities in the past as well, suggesting that the repeated occurrence of such events could indicate underlying factors that require greater attention.
According to the Tibetan spiritual leader, climate change or other environmental factors could potentially be contributing to the increasing vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events.
The floods have once again highlighted the risks faced by communities living in mountainous areas of the Himalayas, where heavy rainfall, fragile terrain and changing weather patterns can increase the impact of natural disasters.
The Dalai Lama’s remarks also underscored the need for greater awareness of environmental challenges and stronger preparedness in regions vulnerable to floods and other climate-related emergencies.
He expressed solidarity with the people affected in both Nepal and Tibet and hoped that relief and recovery efforts would provide assistance to those who have suffered losses.
The statement comes as authorities and local communities continue to deal with the aftermath of flooding and assess the extent of damage in the affected areas.