His Holiness the Dalai lama. Photo: TPI

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Dharamshala, India – His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet, expressed his condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and prayed for all those affected by the tragedy of the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. He also offered donation for the rescue and relief operations in Turkey and Syria.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama has written to the Executive Director of the World Food Programme following reports of devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, which have left many dead and injured.

“I offer my condolences to those families who have lost loved ones and pray for all those affected by this tragedy,” His Holiness the Dalai Lama wrote.

“At the same time, it is heartening to know that in addition to the UN coordinated health teams, NGOs and many countries from around the world are sending support to help the rescue and relief efforts in the quake zones," the spiritual leader of Tibet said.

“As a token of my solidarity with the people of Turkey and Syria affected by this tragedy, I have asked the Gaden Phodrang Foundation of the Dalai Lama to make a donation towards the rescue and relief efforts,” His Holiness the Dalai Lama concluded.

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake killed thousands of people, injured thousands more and destroyed thousands of buildings and homes. It was the strongest earthquake in Turkey in nearly 100 years.

Rescue and recovery efforts in Syria and Turkey are ongoing. Governments, organisations and individuals around the world are pledging aid, deploying search teams, medical teams and equipment, and offering assistance, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama.