Dharamshala: - Hundreds of Tibetans in Dharamshala, Himachal State gathered at the main temple in Mcleod on Ganj Monday, June 24 to offer prayers for the victims of the devastating flash flood in Uttarakhand and parts of Himachal Pradesh, states in the northern part of India.
The prayer service was organised by the Tibetan Welfare office based in Mcleod Ganj Town to express solidarity with the suffering of the people affected by the tragedy.
The prayers, led by Tromthok Rinpoche, abbot of Namgyal Monastery, were offered in hope of the early attainment of a good rebirth for those killed and a quick recovery for those injured. The prayers were also offered for the well-being of all humanity.
Mr Sonam Dorjee, the Tibetan Settlement Officer of Dharamshala said "The prayer service is a gesture by the Tibetan community to empathise and to express our heartfelt condolences to the victims of the flash flood."
The Central Tibetan Administration on June 23 expressed it's deep sadness and sympathy for the families of those who have lost their lives and those who have suffered injury or loss of property in this natural tragedy.
The Central Tibetan Administration also contributed Rs 3 lakhs towards the chief minister's relief fund as a gesture of solidarity with the rescue efforts underway at the disaster site.
The Indian Monsoon arrived ahead of schedule across the state of Uttarakhand. The monsoon is supposed to begin closer to July 1. But, days of heavy rain last week swept away entire villages.
The death toll has already 1,000 reportedly surpassed. But, there are reports from the Indian press that thousands more remain missing after the disaster.
This rainfall is expected to total 75-150 mm (3-6 inches) in many areas, reaching some of the areas hardest hit by the recent flooding. According to media reports, local rainfall total of 250 mm (10 inches) or more will be possible by this weekend.
