Tibet Support Group expresses condolences to those affected by Shigatse earthquake

According to initial official reports, at least 126 people were killed, nearly 200 were injured and thousands lost their homes, but given the strength of the earthquake (magnitude 7.1) and the peculiarities of the region, the number of victims could rise.

Shigatse is one of the most important centres for Tibet, where many buildings are constructed from materials that cannot withstand strong seismic tremors. Night-time temperatures in the region can drop below -10°C at this time of year, posing an additional threat to human health and life and making both rescue operations and organising temporary accommodation difficult.

The Tibet Support Group of the Riigikogu calls on

• the Chinese authorities to ensure as transparent as possible information sharing and smooth cooperation with international humanitarian aid organisations and independent journalists. Obstruction of information and access could significantly slow down the rescue efforts and put the victims at further risk.
• the Government of Estonia and the European Union to monitor the situation closely and be ready to provide diplomatic and humanitarian support. It is also important that a clear overview of the scope of the disaster is requested at international level to coordinate the giving of international assistance where necessary.
• the international community to stay ready to respond, as an earthquake can be followed by aftershocks, and every hour counts to rescue the persons trapped in the rubble and provide support to the victims.

The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has also expressed his profound sadness over this tragic natural disaster and offered his condolences and prayers to the Tibetan people. The Tibetan government-in-exile residing in the hill town of Dharamsala in India has done the same.

The Tibet Support Group of the Riigikogu acknowledges the rescue workers operating in the harsh mountainous conditions and expresses its sincere condolences to the families of the victims. The Support Group will continue to follow the situation and do its utmost to draw attention to the events in Tibet and the need for international cooperation to help the victims.

The Chair of the Tibet Support Group is Juku-Kalle Raid and the Deputy Chair is Karmen Joller; members of the group are 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.

For more information, please contact:

Juku-Kalle Raid
Chair of Tibet Support Group of the Riigikogu
+372 631 6562
juku-kalle.raid@riigikogu.ee

Karmen Joller
Deputy Chair of Tibet Support Group of the Riigikogu
+372 6316578
karmen.joller@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: Tibet Support Group expresses condolences to those affected by Shigatse earthquake

Source: Parliament of Estonia