The Dalai Lama has said he is "saddened to learn of the devastating floods" in a new statement issued this morning.
"I pray for all those who have lost their lives, and offer my sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved and to all those affected by this tragedy," the Buddhist spiritual leader writes.
"Since this region has seen calamities in the past as well, these are certainly symptoms of a deeper underlying cause — whether climate change or other factors.
"I hope that appropriate follow-up measures will be taken, wherever possible, to help ensure that such disasters do not recur."
The Dalai Lama has lived in exile from his Tibetan homeland since 1959 and is condemned as a rebel and separatist by Beijing - the spiritual leader has campaigned for more autonomy for Tibet, but Beijing considers it an integral part of China.
Source: BBC
-Agencies
