August 7, 2010
I feel deeply saddened to learn of the recent calamity that struck Leh in Ladakh in the early hours of the 6th of August resulting in the loss of many lives and property. I understand the sudden cloudburst triggering raging floods have resulted in the loss of lives of more that 100 people of Leh and surrounding areas and over 400 people have been injured and many more are missing and have been rendered homeless. I have personally visited Leh and other places of Ladakh on two occasions and have been deeply touched by the warmth and hospitality the people of the region extended to me and others with me. I truly feel distressed that the peace loving people and the Buddhist community of this region have had to experience this tragedy.
On this sad occasion I would like to extend to the people of Leh and Ladakh my prayers and condolences to the bereaved families. I would also like to request all my monasteries and organizations to offer prayers and special pujas and extend any future help to the people of Ladakh who have had to suffer this tragedy.
My thoughts and prayer will be with the people of Leh and Ladakh and I pray that the pain arising out of this incident will ease swiftly and they develop the fortitude and strength to shoulder this loss and devastation.
17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje
7th August, 2010
