The Tibet support group of the Riigikogu expresses its deepest condolences to all those affected by the earthquake that shook the town of Šigatse in Tibet on Tuesday morning.
According to the initial official reports, at least 126 people were killed, nearly 200 were injured and thousands lost their homes, but considering the strength of the earthquake (magnitude 7.1) and the peculiarities of the region, the number of victims may rise even more.
Shigatse is one of the most important centers for Tibet, where many buildings are built of materials that cannot withstand strong seismic vibrations. At this time of the year, the night temperature in the region can drop below ten degrees below zero, creating an additional threat to people’s health and life and complicating both rescue operations and the organization of temporary accommodation.
The Tibetan support group of the Riigikogu is calling
* The ability of the Chinese authorities to ensure the most transparent information sharing and smooth cooperation with international humanitarian aid organizations and independent journalists. Blocking information and access can significantly slow down rescue efforts and put victims at additional risk.
* The Estonian government and the European Union to monitor the situation closely and to be ready to offer diplomatic and humanitarian support. It is also important that a clear overview of the extent of the disaster is required at the international level in order to coordinate the provision of international aid if necessary.
* The international community must maintain its readiness to respond, because aftershocks can follow an earthquake, and every hour counts to save people trapped under the rubble and provide support to the victims.
* The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, has also expressed his deep sorrow over this tragic natural disaster and offered comfort and prayers to Tibetans. The Tibetan government-in-exile based in the mountain town of Dharamshala in India did the same.
* The Riigikogu Tibet Support Group recognizes the rescue workers who operate in harsh mountainous conditions and expresses its sincere condolences to the relatives of those who died. The support group will continue to monitor the situation and will do its best to draw attention to what is happening in Tibet and the international cooperation needed for the victims.
The Tibet Support Group is chaired by Juku-Kalle Raid and vice-chaired by Karmen Joller, and includes Annely Akkermann, Anti Allas, Ester Karuse, Ando Kiviberg, Eerik-Niiles Kross, Leo Kunnas, Tõnis Lukas, Henn Põlluaas, Marek Reinaas, Urmas Reinsalu, Kalev Stoicescu, Tarmo Tamm, Toomas Uibo, Kristo Enn Vaga and Jaak Valge.
