Dalai Lama offers prayers for victims of Nepal-Tibet flash floods

Ladakh, India, August 30, 2026 — Tibetan spiritual leader the 14th Dalai Lama offered special prayers on Sunday for victims of the devastating flash floods that struck Tibet and Nepal on August 26, killing and displacing people and causing widespread destruction.

The prayers were held during a long-life prayer ceremony at the Shewatsel Teaching Ground in Leh, Ladakh. The Dalai Lama expressed concern over the disaster and prayed for those who lost their lives, those who remain missing and communities affected by the floods.

Members of the public also recited the Avalokiteshvara mantra, commonly known as the six-syllable mantra, in memory of the victims and for the well-being of affected families and communities.

The Dalai Lama had previously expressed condolences on August 27, conveying his sorrow over the loss of life and extending sympathy to bereaved families and others affected by the disaster.

Speaking to ANI about the Dalai Lama’s programme, Geshe Tashi, vice-president of the Ladakh Gonpa Association, emphasized compassion and kindness as central values in Buddhist teachings.

“Compassion and kindness are the core of Buddhist teachings, and everyone should work together to spread these values,” he said.

Geshe Tashi also said the Dalai Lama’s health had improved significantly in recent weeks. He noted that the spiritual leader had recently been using a wheelchair but had since regained the ability to walk independently and address people for extended periods.

“He was recently using a wheelchair, but two weeks later he came out walking on his own and addressed people for several hours,” Geshe Tashi said.

He added that the Dalai Lama continued to express his concern, love and compassion toward people.

The August 26 floods along the Bhotekoshi River caused extensive damage in Nepal, with hundreds of people reported dead or missing and major transportation and communication infrastructure affected.