Sikkim: The Dalai Lama Donates Rs 10 Lakh to Aid Flood Relief Efforts

GANGTOK: The Dalai Lama has contributed Rs. 10 lakh to assist the Sikkim state government in addressing the recent flood disaster in the region.

In a letter addressed to the chief minister, he conveyed his deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extensive property damage caused by the flash flood in the Testa River Valley. The Dalai Lama extended his condolences to the families affected by the tragedy and commended the state government and other relevant authorities for their relief efforts. He also offered prayers for the well-being of all those affected.

As a symbol of his solidarity with the people of Sikkim, the Dalai Lama Trust has pledged a donation of Rs. 10,00,000.00 (Rupees ten lakhs) to support the relief and rescue initiatives in the region.

The Dalai Lama had initially planned to visit Sikkim but postponed his trip in light of the natural calamity. His office announced the rescheduling of his visit from October 16 to 22.

A week after the glacial lake outburst in North Sikkim washed away houses and bridges and forced thousands of people to leave their homes, the water levels in the region’s Muguthang area have risen and are proceeding downstream, said officials. “As per information received from Army Traffic Control Points, Chungthang, the water levels have risen in the Muguthang area and are proceeding downstream. All those in the low-lying areas are advised to stay alert,” said the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority. Earlier in the day, the Indian Air Force evacuated 176 survivors on Tuesday, including 16 foreign nationals from the flood-hit state, an IAF official said. The IAF also air-landed 9400 kg of relief material in the state, an official said.

The Indian Air Force has positioned its Mi-17 V5, CH-47 Chinooks, and Cheetah helicopters as part of the relief efforts in the flood-hit Sikkim to evacuate those stranded in remote areas and to drop essential supplies to areas that have been cut off, as per IAF officials.

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