Breaking, heartbreaking news this morning: a series of earthquakes — including one of a 6.9 magnitude — have struck a Chinese/Tibetan border region. The quakes were centered in Yushu county, in the southern part of Qinghai — a mountainous region in the traditional Tibetan province of Kham. Between 600-700 people have been reported killed, with 10,000 estimated injured. [April 15th update: About 15,000 homes are thought to have collapsed and 100,000 people will need to be relocated, authorities say.”]
The devastation has also created suffering at the monastery of Thrangu Rinpoche. Our report on that, along with the Dalai Lama’s statement, and information on relief efforts, follow.
UPDATE: We now have word via a Shambhala sangha member who passes on a message from Shirley Blair, the director of Thrangu Rinpoche‘s school for Himalayan children in Kathmandu. Blair’s message contends that Thrangu Rinpoche’s monastery was hit by the quake, resulting in at least 10 deaths. The learning center there has reportedly collapsed, so there may be more casualties — and, indeed, a follow-up communication we received reports that close to 30 monks/students were killed.
UPDATE: His Holiness the Dalai Lama has released a statement in response to the earthquake.
RELIEF UPDATES: Our friends at Elephant Journal have rounded up more information and a link to the Surmang Foundation, who are managing earthquake relief donations. Also: Tibet Relief Fund has launched an appeal for victims of today’s earthquake. Donations can be made here.
Yushu — population 100,000; many of whom are and have been Tibetan — is one of the locales most associated with the anti-government protests of March 2008 and was for centuries a hotbed of Buddhist activity. Countless area houses and even schools collapsed in the quakes and aftermath, and flooding is prevalent. Many incoming roadways have been compromised or destroyed, greatly complicating rescue efforts. More here via Yahoo/Reuters. Update: Here‘s a report from The New York Times.
Please keep the people of Yushu in your hearts.
Let us respect the survivors and those who have died by accurately and proudly saying that this earthquake occurred in Kham, Tibet, not "western China." Additionally, it is the Chinese media saying hundreds have died. Tibetan sources have said the number could be as high as 3,000.
May the Dharma flourish now more than ever. Om mani padme hum.
Comments via Facebook:
Roger Sands: My prayers are with all those suffering & helping
BigSky Friend: Will keep them all in my heart: sending love
Gus Shively: Nam myoho renge kyo… Nam myoho renge kyo… Nam myoho renge kyo… Nam myoho renge kyo… Nam myoho renge kyo… Nam myoho renge kyo… Nam myoho renge kyo… We will keep them all in our thoughts and prayers for safety, health, wisdom, and compassion as they try to navigate these times of trial and tribulation. May peace and blessings be upon them all…
Carmen Cáceres Pérez: keeping all of them in our prayers….peace and blessing 2all….
Susan Thomas Novy: Loving kindness from my heart to theirs. ♥
Janice Gilpin: Blessings, may they all be supported in every way.
Brennan Mcdonald: ~ you'll let us know how we may help ~ may all beings enjoy profound brilliant glory ~
Vicki Weissler: sending prayers and loving kindness to all there.
Eva Marczinko: My thoughts and prayers go out to alll impacted by this tragedy.
Thanks for rounding up all this news, SunSpace. I appreciate how you've brought so many threads together.
where else can I donate that will go directly to the effort to help???
Nate – the two we've listed are what we have confirmed so far.
The Seva Foundation is already in the area, and needs donations for helping to rebuild hospitals and eye-care systems.
http://www.seva.org/site/PageServer