Dalai Lama offers condolences to flood-hit nations

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has expressed deep sorrow over the widespread destruction and loss of life caused by recent torrential rainfall and storms across several Asian countries, including Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines.

In a condolence message issued on Tuesday, he said: “I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of all those who have lost their lives.” Acknowledging the immense suffering faced by communities grappling with floods, landslides and mass displacement, the 90-year-old spiritual leader added that he was praying for the swift recovery of the injured and the well-being of all those affected by the extreme weather events. He also emphasised the importance of ongoing humanitarian operations and extended prayers for the success of rescue and relief efforts.

Large parts of South and Southeast Asia have been battered in recent weeks by intense rainfall, multiple cyclones and a rare tropical storm that formed over the Malacca Strait. The resulting deluge has triggered severe flooding and landslides across Indonesia's Sumatra region, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia and neighbouring countries.