Dalai Lama expresses solidarity, makes donation to victims of Assam floods

By Tenzin Dharpo

DHARAMSHALA, July 17: The exiled Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama has written to the Chief Minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal expressing solidarity for the loss of lives and damages caused by the floods due to the monsoon rains in the state, his office said Friday.

The Dalai Lama wrote, “The monsoon rains in Assam and other parts of India bring destruction and great suffering to people year after year. Unfortunately, this year the situation has been made even more troublesome by the continuing coronavirus pandemic.

“I am writing to you today to express my sadness at the loss of life and devastation of property, as well as the tremendous hardship caused to so many due to flooding in many parts of your state.”

The Dalai Lama Trust also made a monetary donation of an undisclosed sum towards relief and rescue efforts in Assam and said he appreciates the efforts undertaken by the state authorities there. The 85-year old also offered his deep condolences to families who have lost loved ones and to everyone who has been affected by the calamity.

The incessant monsoon downpour has affected 40 lakh people in 27 of the state’s 33 districts according to the daily bulletin of the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA). The floods have killed 97 people so far across the state.