Dharamshala – Thousands of Tibetans and foreigners gathered at the main Tibetan temple on Monday, April 27, 2015 to pray for the victims of the massive earthquake that struck Nepal and parts of Tibet and northern India.
Among the attendees of the service was Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the elected Tibetan Prime Minister, who expressed his profound grief and condolences for those effected, saying, "The earthquake has resulted in extensive damage to life and property in Nepal and its adjoining countries including Tibet, Bangladesh, Bhutan and India... Therefore, I offer my sincere prayers for those who have lost their lives and hope that those injured recover soon."
The Central Tibetan Administration has pledged to donate NPR 20 laks as contribution towards relief efforts in Nepal and has further instructed its representatives in Tibetan offices abroad and settlement officers to collect donations from their respective areas for the quake victims.
Nepal has always been a neighbor to Tibetans, and is currently home to a sizable Tibetan refugee community and many Buddhist monasteries. With this in mind, the Tibetan Parliament appealed to the various Tibetan monastic institutions and the Tibetan people in Nepal to extend whatever facilities and help they may be in position to provide to the people of Nepal in this moment of great tragedy.
Additionally, the Tibetan Youth Community has expressed their condolences and pledged to start an Earthquake Relief Fund, and collaborate with all local chapters to assist in the rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts.
Currently over 4,400 have been reported dead and 8,000 injured across Nepal, however with villages in mountainous and remote areas not easily accessed, it is presumed that the death toll will rise drastically in the coming days and weeks as rescue teams make their way to these regions.
