DHARAMSHALA: At least ten Tibetans have died and four Tibetans including three nuns and one youth seriously injured as a result of the devastating earthquake that shook Nepal on 25 April, according to an update sent by the Office of Tibet based in Kathmandu on 4 May.

The injured nuns and the Tibetan youth were rescued and are currently being treated at a hospital in Kathmandu. The three nuns were specially airlifted from Sengdrak monastery in the frontier regions of Nepal to Kathmandu city. All expenses were paid by the Office of Tibet through funds provided by the Kashag.

The ten Tibetans who have passed away include seven adults and three children. The dead include Chime, a 30-year-old Tibetan from Boudha; one nun from Sengdrak monastery; Sangye Phurba, a 29-year-old youth from Swayanbhu; Dorje, a 45-year-old trader in Dram near the Nepal-Tibet border. The remaining include those who have died in the massive avalanche caused by the earthquake in Langtang district of Nepal.

With the dire situation of Tibetans in Nepal, the Kashag of the Central Tibetan Administration has sanctioned NPR 60 Lacs towards relief for Tibetans affected by the earthquake in Nepal.

The relief money will be distributed according to the damages ascertained by the relief committee composed of local Tibetan leaders in Nepal, which was established on 30 April.

Of the 60 Lacs, so far the relief committee has distributed 4 Lacs for Boudha/Jorpati; 3 Lacs for Swayambhu; 1 Lac for Jwalakhel handicraft settlement; 2 Lacs for Solokkhumbu/Walung/Rasowa. The remaining amount will be distributed accordingly by the relief committee following a detailed assessment of the damages.

Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the democratically elected political leader of the Tibetan people, who has taken a personal initiative in the relief efforts, expressed profound sadness and condolences to those who have died and their family members.

“The Central Tibetan Administration will do its best to provide support for the affected family members,” he assured.