Reported by Kelsang Jinpa and Palden
Edited by Pema Tso
Translated by TenGyal
His Holiness the Dalai Lama, along with exiled Tibetan leaders and global figures, has extended heartfelt condolences and expressed solidarity with the victims of the devastating earthquake in Tibet.
In a message from Bylakuppe, South India, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has offered condolences for victims of the tragic 7.1 magnitude earthquake that devastated Dingri County, Ngamring County and Lhatse County in Tibet on the morning of January 7th.
In the message, His Holiness wrote “I am deeply saddened to learn of the devastating earthquake that struck Dingri in Tibet and the surrounding regions this morning. It has caused the tragic loss of many lives, numerous injuries and extensive destruction of homes and property.
I offer my prayers to those who have lost their lives and extend my wishes for a swift recovery to all who have been injured.”
On 7th January, Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) stated, “An earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale struck Dingri and the surrounding regions in Tibet at around 9:05 AM this morning. According to the information we have so far, the quake has claimed 95 lives, left 130 people injured, and caused extensive damage to thousands of homes and properties. While the full extent of the destruction and casualties remains uncertain, all officials and staff of the Central Tibetan Administration, along with local Tibetans in Dharamshala, are holding prayer sessions at Theckhen Choeling Temple. These prayers will continue until tomorrow evening to honour the lives lost and to pray for the swift recovery of those injured.”
World leaders, including the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, the U.S. State Department Spokesperson, and the Presidents of France and Taiwan, have all extended their heartfelt condolences in response to the devastating earthquake disaster in Tibet.
Uzra Zeya, the U.S. Special Co-ordinator for Tibetan Issues, offering condolences, posted on X: “Extending heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of those killed, injured, or displaced by the earthquake in southern Tibet, where temperatures have dropped below freezing. We stand with Tibetan and other communities who were impacted and wish them a speedy recovery.”
Mathew Miller, the U.S. State Department Spokesperson also posted on X: “The United States extends condolences to all those affected by the January 7 earthquake in southern Tibet. We are closely monitoring the situation and stand ready to respond to requests for U.S. government assistance.”
French Presidente Emmanuel Macron wrote: “France expresses its condolences to the families of the victims of the terrible earthquake which has just struck Tibet and offers its assistance to help the affected Himalayan populations.”
Lai Ching Te, President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) also expressed solidarity, writing: “Our thoughts are with the people of Tibet and the surrounding areas impacted by the devastating earthquake. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims’ families, and we pray that rescue & aid efforts reach those in need to ensure a swift recovery.”
Similarly, Randhir Jaiswal, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs of India wrote: “Government and people of India express condolences on the tragic loss of life and property caused by the devastating earthquake in the Tibet Autonomous Region. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.”
Pema Khandu, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh also wrote on X: “Deeply saddened to learn about the massive earthquake that struck the Tibet-Nepal border. The loss of precious lives and destruction of property is truly heart-wrenching.
My heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives. May the departed souls rest in eternal peace.”
The devastating earthquake, with a magnitude close to 7 on the Richter scale, has wreaked havoc across Dingri County, Ngamring County, and Lhatse County in Tibet. As rescue and relief efforts continue, the latest reports indicate that the disaster has left a tragic toll, with at least 126 lives lost, over 180 injured, and the destruction of 3,609 homes.
