Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has stated that he is praying for the victims who lost their lives in the massive floods that struck the border region between Nepal and China's Xizang Autonomous Region (Tibet).

According to AFP and other foreign media outlets on the 27th local time, the Dalai Lama said in a statement, "I am praying for those who lost their lives and extend my deepest condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families and all those affected by this tragedy."

He diagnosed that "this region has suffered disasters in the past," adding, "Whether caused by climate change or other factors, this situation is clearly a sign of more fundamental causes."

He also added, "I hope that appropriate follow-up measures will be taken everywhere possible to prevent such disasters from recurring."

Penpa Tsering, the Prime Minister of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), also described the floods as a "catastrophe," saying, "The news of the loss of life and widespread destruction is heartbreaking."

After escaping from Tibet in 1959 while resisting China's annexation, the Dalai Lama established a Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamshala, an Indian Himalayan mountain region, and has pursued non-violent means to demand rights and autonomy for the Tibetan people.

In recognition of these efforts, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.

China claims that Tibet has been a part of its territory for centuries, while the Tibetan government-in-exile counters that Tibet maintained de facto independence until it was occupied by China in 1950.

India recognizes Tibet as part of China while simultaneously hosting Tibetan refugees.

Meanwhile, Sadhguru, a prominent spiritual leader in India with over 80 million social media followers, also expressed grief over the disaster.

He shared that 77 pilgrims belonging to a Hindu group organized by his Isha Foundation were at the immigration checkpoint on the Nepal-China border when the floods struck.

These pilgrims were planning to visit Mount Kailash, which is considered sacred by Hindus and Tibetan Buddhists.

Sadhguru explained, "Literally the entire group was inside that building," adding, "All cell phones went dead, communications were cut off, and the roads were blocked so we couldn't get there."

He further noted, "Just a week ago, the very building where we underwent immigration clearance was completely swept away, along with parts of the [nearby] village."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)