By Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, Aug 17: In the wake of a destructive flood that swept through several Tibetan settlements in India, the exile Tibetan government’s Secretary Palden Dhondup from the Department of Home on August 11, appealed for support from fellow Tibetans to help the impacted communities. The flood, triggered by heavy rainfall and cloudbursts, wreaked havoc on settlements such as Kullu Manali, Yulokhoe, Dolanji in Northern India and Dirang (Bomdila) in North-eastern India, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
Floodwaters engulfed several houses, displacing families who still live in the settlement school and causing significant damage in Manali. Meanwhile, Dolanji experienced a road blockage due to a landslide, impeding access to the settlement. The river’s fury in Bomdila Dirang resulted in the loss of houses and livestock for two families.
In addition to these settlements, other areas, including Majnu ka Tilla and Budh Vihar in Delhi, also grappled with the aftermath of the flood, with houses submerged in water and residents facing daunting challenges caused by water blockage of the alley ways.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama conveyed his sadness at the recurrence of rain-induced natural disasters in the region last week. Demonstrating his solidarity with the affected communities, the spiritual leader made an unspecified donation toward relief efforts.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the head of the Central Tibetan Administration, expressed his condolences through Twitter, acknowledging the loss of lives and extensive damage caused by heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh and other regions of the nation. He conveyed the deep sympathies of the CTA and Tibetan community to all those affected and extended well wishes for the ongoing rescue operations being carried out by the government.
The Tibetan communities have come together in the past to pool financial help through crowd-funding to deal with emergencies in the past. Secretary Palden Dhondup emphasized the importance of community support, urging individuals to contribute to the Department of Home’s efforts in managing the crisis. The funds raised will be channelled towards rebuilding the lives of those affected by natural disasters. Reconstruction work is scheduled to commence in September and October, once the monsoon subsides.
