In a letter to Prem Singh Tamang, Chief Minister of Sikkim, today, His Holiness the Dalai Lama expressed his sadness about the loss of life and widespread damage to property that has occurred in Sikkim as a result of the flash flood that took place in the Teesta River Valley last night.

“I offer my condolences to families who have lost loved ones,” he wrote, “as well as others affected by this disaster, and pray for their welfare.

“I commend the State government and other concerned authorities for all they are doing to provide relief to people affected by this calamity. As a mark of my solidarity with the people of Sikkim, I have asked the Dalai Lama Trust to make a donation towards relief and rescue efforts.”

His Holiness’s letter ended— ”With my prayers.”

Source: Central Tibetan administration