DHARAMSHALA, September 20 - The Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama has expressed concern over the devastation caused by the recent earthquake in north eastern Indian state of Sikkim.

In a letter offering his condolences to the Chief Minister of Sikkim, His Holiness the Dalai Lama wrote, “I was saddened to learn about the loss of life and damage to property that the recent earthquake has caused across isolated Himalayan regions, particularly in Sikkim. I offer my sympathy and condolences to all those families, who have been directly affected by what I understand is one of the worst earthquakes in recent memory.”

The Tibetan leader offered his prayers for those affected by this tragic natural calamity and also donated Rs. 500,000 from the Dalai Lama Trust towards relief work in the affected areas of the state.

The Dalai Lama last visited the state in December 2010.