Dharamsala, Jan 11 (IANS) Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama Tuesday expressed grief over the death of at least nine people in flash floods that swept through southeastern Queensland in Australia.
In a condolence message to Queensland premier Anna Bligh, the Nobel laureate said: ‘I was saddened by the unprecedented flood in your state which has brought severe destruction and suffering to the property and general public.
‘But I admire the Australian government’s preparedness in tackling the flood disaster in terms of its relief efforts.’
The Dalai Lama, 75, added: ‘I am praying for no further loss of lives of those affected by the flood, speedy reconstruction of destroyed homes and an early end to the disaster.’
A total of nine deaths and over 60 persons reported missing have been confirmed in flash floods and the toll could get to more than double, Bligh was quoted as saying by the Herald Sun.
Residents in low-lying areas of the Lockyer Valley and Brisbane are being urged to leave their homes as more heavy storms sweep the region.
