Dharamshala: - The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, on October 14 sent a letter of condolence to the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh over the great loss of lives and devastation of property as a result of Cyclone Phailin.
In letters to both "Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna" His Holiness the Dalai Lama's office said that "His Holiness, presently in Mexico City as part of a three nation tour to the United States, Mexico and Poland, expressed his deep condolences at the loss of life and devastation of property as a result of this calamity."
"His Holiness also expressed his happiness that due to the efforts of the concerned authorities and the precautions taken, loss of life was minimal" said the condolence message of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
"The Dalai Lama Trust is making contributions to the relief efforts of both the state and central governments,as a token of sympathy" it further added.
The Cyclone lashed India's eastern coast at Gopalpur in Ganjam district with wind speeds of up to 220km per hour around 7.30pm on Saturday, bringing heavy rains across south coastal Odisha and Srikakulam district of north coastal Andhra Pradesh.
The state government said that standing crops of over 6,25,408 hectares have been destroyed in the state and 333,070 houses in 16,000 villages have been damaged.
Overall, 13 districts in Odisha were affected by the storm. 28 people died and 11.9 million people have been affected by the cyclone and the ensuing floods in 128 areas of the state, according to state administration.
