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Dalai Lama offer condolences to flood victims in Europe

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Flood victims stand dejected outside their damaged homes in Germany (Photo/The Economic Times)

By Tenzin Dharpo

DHARAMSHALA, July 17: The Exiled Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Saturday offered his concern and condolences to those affected by floods, caused by incessant rain in parts of Europe including Germany and Belgium.

In a letter written to Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, and Alexander De Croo, the Belgian Prime Minister, the octogenarian Tibetan leader wrote, “I am saddened to see reports of the unprecedented flooding that has wreaked havoc across western Europe, particularly affecting Belgium and Germany.

“The loss of life, damage to property, and hardship that thousands of people are facing is most upsetting”.

“I understand that every effort is being made to help those affected. I would like to express my condolences to the bereaved and my deep sympathy for those left devastated by this catastrophe. My thoughts are with everyone affected by this calamity,” the Dalai Lama further wrote.

Switzerland, Luxembourg and the Netherlands were also affected by the natural calamity although the bulk of the damages are said to be in Germany and Belgium. Sources say that at least 143 in Germany and 27 in Belgium have died and as many as 1500 people are missing as of Saturday.

European countries such as Germany, Belgium and Switzerland is home to several thousand Tibetan refugees. There are no reports of casualty among Tibetans as of now.

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