Dharamsala, April 14 - His Holiness the Dalai Lama who returned to Dharamsala yesterday after completing his tour of Slovenia and Switzerland offered his prayers to the victims of the earthquake in Yushu (Kyegudo)County today.

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and property as a result of the earthquake that struck Kyigudo (Chinese - Yushu) this morning," the Tibetan leader said on his website.

"We pray for those who have lost their lives in this tragedy and their families and others who have been affected. A special prayer service is being held at the main temple (Tsuglagkhang) here at Dharamsala on their behalf.

"It is my hope that all possible assistance and relief work will reach these people. I am also exploring how I, too, can contribute to these efforts."